Energy delivery mitigation for modular energy systems

Abstract

An isolation interface circuit for a modular energy system is disclosed. A comparator is configured to couple to a switch and a reference voltage and an output. A replica comparator is configured to couple to the switch and the reference voltage. An expander circuit is coupled to the comparator and the replica comparator. An isolator circuit is coupled to the expander circuit. A controller is coupled to the isolator circuit. The controller is configured to compare an output of the comparator to an output of the replica comparator and determine, based on the comparison, to activate or deactivate a surgical instrument coupled to the controller.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to various surgical systems, including modular electrosurgical and / or ultrasonic surgical systems. Operating rooms (ORs) are in need of streamlined capital solutions because ORs are a complex spiderweb of cords, equipment, and personnel due to the number of different devices required to complete each surgical procedure. This is the reality of ORs in every market around the world. Capital equipment is a major source of clutter in ORs because most capital equipment performs a single task or job, and each type of capital equipment requires a unique technology or method to use and has a unique user interface. Therefore, there is an unmet consumer need to consolidate capital equipment and other surgical technology to improve surgical staff efficiency during surgical procedures by reducing the equipment footprint in the OR, streamlining equipment interfaces, and reducing the number of devices the surgical staff needs to operate.

[0002] The modular energy system is designed to interface with a variety of accessories, such as foot switches. Communication between the modular energy system and the accessories should be moderated to prevent erroneous signals from the accessories from reaching the modular energy system. Erroneous signals from the accessories may result in erroneous activation of an electrosurgical instrument, ultrasonic instrument, or combination thereof, connected to an energy module of the modular energy system. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Therefore, there is a need to mitigate the interface between accessories and modular energy systems. Furthermore, there is a need to improve the reliability of wireless communications in operating room (OR) environments where interference can block wireless signals from accessories from reaching the modular energy systems. Therefore, there is a need for robust wireless communications in operating room (OR) environments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an isolation interface circuit for a modular energy system, the isolation interface circuit comprising: a comparator including a first input configured to couple to a switch, a second input configured to couple to a reference voltage, and an output; a replica comparator including a first input configured to couple to the switch, a second input configured to couple to the reference voltage, and an output; an expander circuit including at least two inputs, where an output of the comparator is coupled to one of the at least two inputs of the expander circuit and an output of the replica comparator is coupled to the other of the at least two inputs of the expander circuit, the expander circuit including an output; an isolator circuit including an input and an output, where the input is coupled to the output of the expander circuit; and a controller coupled to the output of the isolator circuit, the controller configured to compare the output of the comparator with the output of the replica comparator and to determine, based on the comparison, to activate or deactivate a surgical instrument coupled to the controller.

[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides an isolation interface circuit for a modular energy system, the isolation interface circuit including a first comparator having a first input configured to couple to a first switch, a second input configured to couple to a reference voltage, and an output, a second comparator having a first input configured to couple to a second switch, a second input configured to couple to the reference voltage, and an output, a first replica comparator having a first input configured to couple to the first switch, a second input configured to couple to the reference voltage, and an output, a second replica comparator having a first input configured to couple to the second switch, a second input configured to couple to the reference voltage, and an output, and an output amplifier having at least four inputs. the expander circuit, wherein the outputs of the first and second comparators are each coupled to an input of the expander circuit, and the outputs of the first and second replica comparators are each coupled to an input of the expander circuit, the expander circuit including an output; the isolator circuit, wherein the isolator circuit includes an input and an output, the input coupled to the output of the expander circuit; and a controller coupled to the output of the isolator circuit, the controller configured to compare the output of the first comparator with the output of the first replica comparator and the output of the second comparator with the output of the second replica comparator, and to determine, based on the comparison, to activate or deactivate a surgical instrument coupled to the controller.

[0006] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for mitigating erroneous outputs from an isolation interface circuit for a modular energy system, the method including the steps of receiving, at a first input of a first comparator, a state of a first switch of a first foot switch coupled to the first input of the first comparator and a reference voltage coupled to a second input of the first comparator, receiving, at a first input of a first replica comparator, the state of the first switch coupled to the first input of the first replica comparator and the reference voltage coupled to the second input of the first replica comparator, and comparing, by a controller coupled to the first comparator and an output of the first replica comparator, an output of the first replica comparator with an output of the first replica comparator; and determining, by the controller, to activate or deactivate a surgical instrument coupled to the controller based on the comparison. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] The various aspects described herein, both as to organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computer-implemented interactive surgical system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a surgical system used to perform a surgical procedure in an operating room, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a surgical hub paired with a visualization system, a robotic system, and an intelligent instrument, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a surgical system including a generator and various surgical instruments usable with the generator, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram of a context-aware surgical system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates various modules and other components that can be combined to customize a modular energy system, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] 1 illustrates a first exemplary modular energy system configuration including a header module and a display screen presenting a graphical user interface (GUI) for relaying information about modules connected to the header module, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] 7B is a diagram of the modular energy system shown in FIG. 7A mounted on a cart, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] 1 is a second exemplary modular energy system configuration including a header module, a display screen, an energy module, and an extended energy module connected together and mounted to a cart, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] 7B is a third exemplary modular energy system configuration similar to the second configuration shown in FIG. 7A, except that the header module lacks a display screen, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 10 is a fourth exemplary modular energy system configuration including a header module, a display screen, an energy module, an extended energy module, and a technology module connected together and mounted to a cart, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 10 is a fifth exemplary modular energy system configuration including a header module, a display screen, an energy module, an extended energy module, a technology module, and a visualization module connected together and mounted on a cart, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a modular energy system including a communicably connectable surgical platform, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a header module of a modular energy system including a user interface, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a stand-alone hub configuration of a modular energy system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a hub configuration of a modular energy system integrated with a surgical control system, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 15]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a user interface module coupled to a communication module of a modular energy system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an energy module of a modular energy system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17A] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an energy module coupled to a header module of a modular energy system, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17B] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an energy module coupled to a header module of a modular energy system, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18A] 16 illustrates a block diagram of a header / user interface (UI) module of a hub modular energy system, such as the header module shown in FIG. 15, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18B] 16 illustrates a block diagram of a header / user interface (UI) module of a hub modular energy system, such as the header module shown in FIG. 15, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an energy module of a hub, such as the energy modules shown in FIGS. 13-18B, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a modular energy system stack showing a power backplane, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a modular energy system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an isolation footswitch interface circuit for supporting and mitigating footswitch actuation for multiple footswitches and footswitch types, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 23]1 illustrates an operating room (OR) with accessories that communicate wirelessly with a modular energy system. [Figure 24] 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless mesh network in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 25] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a modular energy system including multiple radios, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a footswitch including multiple radios, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 27] 1 illustrates an OR equipped with accessories that communicate wirelessly to a modular energy system via a wireless mesh network implemented by multiple radios, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 28] In accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure, an operating room (OR) is configured with additional "repeater" nodes optionally placed around the OR environment to provide a robust wireless mesh network. [Figure 29] 29 illustrates the operating room (OR) shown in FIG. 28 interfering with some of the communication paths and communications routed to other nodes in the wireless mesh network, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0008] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set forth herein illustrate various disclosed embodiments in one form only, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The applicant of the present application owns the following concurrently filed U.S. patent applications, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

[0010] - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. END9314USNP1 / 210018-1M, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR MECHANICAL PACKAGING FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM" - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. END9314USNP2 / 210018-2, Title of Invention: "BACKPLANE CONNECTOR ATTACHMENT MECHANISM FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM" - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. END9314USNP3 / 210018-3, Title of Invention: "BEZEL WITH LIGHT BLOCKING FEATURES FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM" - U.S. Patent Application Serial Number END9314USNP4 / 210018-4, Title of Invention: "HEADER FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM" - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. END9315USNP1 / 210019, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL PROCEDURALIZATION VIA MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM" - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. END9316USNP1 / 210020-1M, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR ENERGY DELIVERY FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM" - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. END9316USNP2 / 210020-2, Title of Invention: "MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM WITH DUAL AMPLIFIERS AND TECHNIQUES FOR UPDATING PARAMETERS THEREOF" - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. END9316USNP3 / 210020-3, Title of Invention: "MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM WITH MULTI-ENERGY PORT SPLITTER FOR MULTIPLE ENERGY DEVICES" - U.S. Patent Application Serial Number END9317USNP1 / 210021-1M, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR INTELLIGENT INSTRUMENTS FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM" - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. END9317USNP2 / 210021-2, Title of Invention: "RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION TOKEN FOR WIRELESS SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" - U.S. Patent Application Serial Number END9317USNP3 / 210021-3, Title of Invention: "INTELLIGENT DATA PORTS FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEMS" - U.S. Patent Application Serial Number END9318USNP1 / 210022-1M, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM" - U.S. Patent Application Serial No. END9318USNP2 / 210022-2, Title of Invention: "USER INTERFACE MITIGATION TECHNIQUES FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEMS" U.S. Patent Application Serial No. END9318USNP4 / 210022-4, entitled "ARCHITECTURE FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM," and - U.S. Patent Application Serial Number END9318USNP5 / 210022-5, Title: "MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM WITH HARDWARE MITIGATED COMMUNICATION."

[0011] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patent applications, filed on September 5, 2019, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,144, entitled "METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM USER INTERFACE" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078106); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,151, entitled "PASSIVE HEADER MODULE FOR A MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078110); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,157, entitled "CONSOLIDATED USER INTERFACE FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0081585); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,159, entitled "AUDIO TONE CONSTRUCTION FOR AN ENERGY MODULE OF A MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0314569); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,163, entitled "ADAPTABLY CONNECTABLE AND REASSIGNABLE SYSTEM ACCESSORIES FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078111); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,123, entitled "METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTING AND USING A MODULAR SURGICAL ENERGY SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE DEVICES" (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0100830); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,135, entitled "METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ENERGY MODULE OUTPUT" (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078076); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,180, entitled "ENERGY MODULE FOR DRIVING MULTIPLE ENERGY MODALITIES" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078080); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,184, entitled "GROUNDING ARRANGEMENT OF ENERGY MODULES" (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078081); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,188, entitled "BACKPLANE CONNECTOR DESIGN TO CONNECT STACKED ENERGY MODULES" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078116); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,195, entitled "ENERGY MODULE FOR DRIVING MULTIPLE ENERGY MODALITIES THROUGH A PORT" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20200078117); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,202, entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING DRIVE SIGNAL TO POWER SECONDARY FUNCTION" (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078082); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,142, entitled "METHOD FOR ENERGY DISTRIBUTION IN A SURGICAL MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078070); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,169, entitled "SURGICAL MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM WITH A SEGMENTED BACKPLANE" (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078112); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,185, entitled "SURGICAL MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM WITH FOOTER MODULE" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078115); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,203, entitled "POWER AND COMMUNICATION MITIGATION ARRANGEMENT FOR MODULAR SURGICAL ENERGY SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078118); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,212, entitled "MODULAR SURGICAL ENERGY SYSTEM WITH MODULE POSITIONAL AWARENESS SENSING WITH VOLTAGE DETECTION" (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078119); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,234, entitled "MODULAR SURGICAL ENERGY SYSTEM WITH MODULE POSITIONAL AWARENESS SENSING WITH TIME COUNTER" (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0305945); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,243, entitled "MODULAR SURGICAL ENERGY SYSTEM WITH MODULE POSITIONAL AWARENESS WITH DIGITAL LOGIC" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078120); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,125, entitled "METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING BETWEEN MODULES AND DEVICES IN A MODULAR SURGICAL SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0100825); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,137, entitled "FLEXIBLE HAND-SWITCH CIRCUIT" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0106220); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,143, entitled "FIRST AND SECOND COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL ARRANGEMENT FOR DRIVING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY DEVICES THROUGH A SINGLE PORT" (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0090808); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,148, entitled "FLEXIBLE NEUTRAL ELECTRODE" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078077); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,154, entitled "SMART RETURN PAD SENSING THROUGH MODULATION OF NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION AND CONTACT QUALITY MONITORING SIGNALS" (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078089); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,162, entitled "AUTOMATIC ULTRASONIC ENERGY ACTIVATION CIRCUIT DESIGN FOR MODULAR SURGICAL SYSTEMS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0305924); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,167, entitled "COORDINATED ENERGY OUTPUTS OF SEPARATE BUT CONNECTED MODULES" (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078078); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,170, entitled "MANAGING SIMULTANEOUS MONOPOLAR OUTPUTS USING DUTY CYCLE AND SYNCHRONIZATION" (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078079); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,172, entitled "PORT PRESENCE DETECTION SYSTEM FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078113); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,175, entitled "INSTRUMENT TRACKING ARRANGEMENT BASED ON REAL TIME CLOCK INFORMATION" (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078071); U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,177, entitled "REGIONAL LOCATION TRACKING OF COMPONENTS OF A MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078114); · U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 704,610, entitled "ENERGY MODULE"; U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 704,614, entitled "ENERGY MODULE MONOPOLAR PORT WITH FOURTH SOCKET AMONG THREE OTHER SOCKETS"; U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 704,616, entitled "BACKPLANE CONNECTOR FOR ENERGY MODULE," and · U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 704,617, entitled "ALERT SCREEN FOR ENERGY MODULE."

[0012] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. provisional patent applications, filed on March 29, 2019, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: · U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 826,584, entitled "MODULAR SURGICAL PLATFORM ELECTRICAL ARCHITECTURE"; · U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 826,587, entitled "MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM CONNECTIVITY"; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 826,588, entitled "MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM INSTRUMENT COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES," and · U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 826,592, entitled "MODULAR ENERGY DELIVERY SYSTEM."

[0013] The applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. provisional patent applications, filed on September 7, 2018, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 728,480, entitled "MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM AND USER INTERFACE."

[0014] Before describing various aspects of the surgical device and generator in detail, it should be noted that the illustrative embodiments are not limited in application or use to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and description. The illustrative embodiments may be implemented in or incorporated into other aspects, variations, and modifications, and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the terms and phrases used herein have been chosen for the convenience of the reader for the purpose of describing the illustrative embodiments, and not for the purpose of limiting them. Furthermore, it should be understood that one or more of the aspects, aspect expressions, and / or examples described below can be combined with any one or more of the other aspects, aspect expressions, and / or examples described below.

[0015] Various aspects are directed to improved ultrasonic surgical devices, electrosurgical devices, and generators for use therewith. Aspects of the ultrasonic surgical devices can be configured, for example, to transect and / or coagulate tissue during a surgical procedure. Aspects of the electrosurgical devices can be configured, for example, to transect, coagulate, scale, weld, and / or desiccate tissue during a surgical procedure.

[0016] Surgical System Hardware 1 , a computer-implemented interactive surgical system 100 includes one or more surgical systems 102 and a cloud-based system (e.g., a cloud 104 that may include a remote server 113 coupled to a storage device 105). Each surgical system 102 includes at least one surgical hub 106 in communication with the cloud 104, which may include the remote server 113. In one example, as shown in FIG. 1 , a surgical system 102 includes a visualization system 108, a robotic system 110, and a handheld intelligent surgical instrument 112, which are configured to communicate with each other and / or with the hub 106. In some embodiments, a surgical system 102 may include M hubs 106, N visualization systems 108, O robotic systems 110, and P handheld intelligent surgical instruments 112, where M, N, O, and P are integers greater than or equal to 1.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows an example of a surgical system 102 being used to perform a surgical procedure on a patient lying on an operating table 114 in an operating room 116. A robotic system 110 is used as part of the surgical system 102 in the surgical procedure. The robotic system 110 includes a surgeon's console 118, a patient side cart 120 (surgical robot), and a surgical robot hub 122. While the surgeon views the surgical site through the surgeon's console 118, the patient side cart 120 can manipulate at least one detachably coupled surgical tool 117 through a minimally invasive incision in the patient's body. Images of the surgical site can be acquired by a medical imaging device 124, which can be manipulated by the patient side cart 120 to reorient the imaging device 124. The robotic hub 122 can be used to process and then display the images of the surgical site to the surgeon through the surgeon's console 118.

[0018] Other types of robotic systems can be readily adapted for use with surgical system 102. Various examples of robotic systems and surgical tools suitable for use with the present disclosure are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,339, filed December 28, 2017, entitled "ROBOT ASSISTED SURGICAL PLATFORM," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0019] Various examples of cloud-based analytical methods implemented by cloud 104 and suitable for use with the present disclosure are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,340, entitled "CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS," filed December 28, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0020] In various embodiments, the imaging device 124 includes at least one image sensor and one or more optical components. Suitable image sensors include, but are not limited to, charge-coupled device (CCD) sensors and complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensors.

[0021] The optical components of the imaging device 124 may include one or more illumination sources and / or one or more lenses. The one or more illumination sources may be directed to illuminate a portion of the surgical field. The one or more image sensors may receive light reflected or refracted from the surgical field, including light reflected or refracted from tissue and / or surgical instruments.

[0022] The one or more illumination sources may be configured to emit electromagnetic energy within the visible spectrum as well as the invisible spectrum. The visible spectrum, sometimes referred to as the optical spectrum or luminous spectrum, is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to (i.e., detectable by) the human eye and is sometimes referred to as visible light or simply light. The typical human eye responds to wavelengths in air between about 380 nm and about 750 nm.

[0023] The invisible spectrum (i.e., non-radiative spectrum) is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum located below and above the visible spectrum (i.e., wavelengths less than about 380 nm and greater than about 750 nm). The invisible spectrum is not detectable by the human eye. Wavelengths greater than about 750 nm are longer than the red visible spectrum, which constitutes invisible infrared (IR), microwave, and radio electromagnetic radiation. Wavelengths less than about 380 nm are shorter than the violet spectrum, which constitutes invisible ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma-ray electromagnetic radiation.

[0024] In various aspects, imaging device 124 is configured for use in minimally invasive procedures. Examples of imaging devices suitable for use with the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, arthroscopes, angioscopes, bronchoscopes, cholangioscopes, colonoscopes, cystoscopes, duodenoscopes, enteroscopes, esophagogastroduodenoscopes (gastroscopes), endoscopes, laryngoscopes, nasopharyngological-nephroscopes, sigmoidoscopes, thoracoscopes, and ureteroscopes.

[0025] In one aspect, the imaging device employs multispectral monitoring to distinguish between topography and underlying structures. Multispectral imaging captures image data within specific wavelength ranges across the electromagnetic spectrum. Wavelengths can be separated by filters or by using instruments sensitive to specific wavelengths, including frequencies beyond the visible light range, e.g., IR and UV light. Spectral imaging can extract additional information that cannot be captured by the red, green, and blue receptors of the human eye. The use of multispectral imaging is described in detail in the "Advanced Imaging Acquisition Module" section of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,341, entitled "INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM," filed December 28, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Multispectral monitoring can be a useful tool for repositioning the surgical field after the completion of a surgical task to perform one or more of the above-mentioned tests on the treated tissue.

[0026] It is self-evident that any surgical procedure requires rigorous sterilization of the operating room and surgical equipment. The strict hygiene and sterilization conditions required in the "surgical field," i.e., the operating room or procedure room, necessitate the highest possible sterility of all medical devices and equipment. Part of the sterilization process includes the need to sterilize everything that comes into contact with the patient or enters the sterile field, including the imaging device 124 and its accessories and components. It is understood that the sterile field may be considered a specific area deemed free of microorganisms, such as in a tray or on a sterile towel, or the sterile field may be considered the area immediately surrounding the patient prepared for the surgical procedure. The sterile field may include cleaned team members in appropriate clothing and all supplies and fixtures within the area.

[0027] In various aspects, the visualization system 108 includes one or more imaging sensors strategically positioned relative to the sterile field, one or more image processing units, one or more storage arrays, and one or more displays, as shown in Figure 2. In one aspect, the visualization system 108 includes interfaces for HL7, PACS, and EMR. The various components of the visualization system 108 are described in the "Advanced Imaging Acquisition Module" section of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,341, entitled "INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM," filed December 28, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2 , primary display 119 is positioned in the sterile field so as to be visible to the operator of operating table 114. In addition, visualization tower 111 is positioned outside the sterile field. Visualization tower 111 includes a first non-sterile display 107 and a second non-sterile display 109 facing opposite each other. Visualization system 108, guided by hub 106, is configured to utilize displays 107, 109, and 119 to coordinate information flow to operators inside and outside the sterile field. For example, hub 106 can cause visualization system 108 to display snapshots of the surgical site captured by imaging device 124 on non-sterile display 107 or 109 while maintaining a live video of the surgical site on primary display 119. The snapshots on non-sterile display 107 or 109 may, for example, enable a non-sterile operator to perform diagnostic steps related to the surgical procedure.

[0029] In one aspect, the hub 106 is also configured to send diagnostic input or feedback entered by the non-sterile operator at the visualization tower 111 to the primary display 119 in the sterile field for viewing by the sterile operator at the operating table. In one example, the input can be in the form of modifications to a snapshot displayed on the non-sterile display 107 or 109 that can be sent by the hub 106 to the primary display 119.

[0030] 2, a surgical instrument 112 is used as part of the surgical system 102 in a surgical procedure. The hub 106 is also configured to coordinate information flow to the display of the surgical instrument 112, for example, in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,341, filed December 28, 2017, entitled "INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Diagnostic input or feedback entered by a non-sterile operator at the visualization tower 111 can be sent by the hub 106 to a surgical instrument display 115 in the sterile field, where it can be viewed by the operator of the surgical instrument 112. Exemplary surgical instruments suitable for use with the surgical system 102 are described, for example, in the section entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HARDWARE" and in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,341, filed December 28, 2017, entitled "INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 3 , a hub 106 is shown in communication with a visualization system 108, a robotic system 110, and a handheld intelligent surgical instrument 112. In some embodiments, the visualization system 108 may be a separable device. In alternative embodiments, the visualization system 108 may be included within the hub 106 as a functional module. The hub 106 includes a hub display 135, an imaging module 138, a generator module 140, a communications module 130, a processor module 132, a storage array 134, and an operating room mapping module 133. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 , the hub 106 further includes a smoke evacuation module 126, a suction / irrigation module 128, and / or an insufflation module 129. In certain embodiments, any of the modules within the hub 106 may be combined with one another into a single module.

[0032] During a surgical procedure, the application of energy to tissue for sealing and / or cutting is commonly associated with smoke evacuation, aspiration of excess fluid, and / or irrigation of the tissue. Fluid, power, and / or data lines from different sources often become tangled during a surgical procedure. Addressing this issue can result in valuable time being lost during a surgical procedure. Untangling the lines may require unplugging them from their corresponding modules, which may require resetting the modules. The hub modular enclosure 136 provides an integrated environment for managing power, data, and fluid lines, reducing the frequency of such line tangles.

[0033] Aspects of the present disclosure present a surgical hub for use in a surgical procedure involving the application of energy to tissue at a surgical site. The surgical hub includes a hub enclosure and a combination generator module slidably receivable within a docking station of the hub enclosure. The docking station includes data and power contacts. The combination generator module includes one or more of an ultrasonic energy generator component, a bipolar RF energy generator component, and a monopolar RF energy generator component housed within a single unit. In one aspect, the combination generator module also includes a smoke evacuation component, at least one energy delivery cable for connecting the combination generator module to a surgical instrument, at least one smoke evacuation component configured to evacuate smoke, fluid, and / or particulates generated by the application of therapeutic energy to tissue, and a fluid line extending from the remote surgical site to the smoke evacuation component.

[0034] In one aspect, the fluid line is a first fluid line and a second fluid line extends from the remote surgical site to an aspiration and irrigation module slidably received within the hub enclosure. In one aspect, the hub enclosure includes a fluid interface.

[0035] Certain surgical procedures may require the application of two or more energy types to tissue. One energy type may be more beneficial for cutting tissue, while another, different energy type may be more beneficial for sealing tissue. For example, a bipolar generator may be used to seal tissue, while an ultrasonic generator may be used to cut the sealed tissue. Aspects of the present disclosure present a solution in which the hub modular enclosure 136 is configured to house various generators and facilitate interactive communication between them. One advantage of the hub modular enclosure 136 is that it allows for quick removal and / or replacement of various modules.

[0036] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a modular surgical enclosure for use in surgical procedures involving the application of energy to tissue. The modular surgical enclosure includes a first energy generator module configured to generate a first energy for application to tissue and a first docking station including a first docking port including first data and power contacts. In one aspect, the first energy generator module is slidably movable into electrical engagement with the power and data contacts, and the first energy generator module is slidably movable out of electrical engagement with the first power and data contacts. In an alternative aspect, the first energy generator module is stackably movable into electrical engagement with the power and data contacts, and the first energy generator module is stackably movable out of electrical engagement with the first power and data contacts.

[0037] Further to the above, the modular surgical enclosure also includes a second energy generator module configured to generate a second energy, the second energy being the same or different from the first energy, for application to tissue, and a second docking station including a second docking port including second data and power contacts. In one aspect, the second energy generator module is slidably movable into electrical engagement with the power and data contacts, and the second energy generator module is slidably movable out of electrical engagement with the second power and data contacts. In an alternative aspect, the second energy generator module is stackably movable into electrical engagement with the power and data contacts, and the second energy generator module is stackably movable out of electrical engagement with the second power and data contacts.

[0038] In addition, the modular surgical enclosure also includes a communication bus between the first docking port and the second docking port configured to facilitate communication between the first energy generator module and the second energy generator module.

[0039] 3 , an aspect of the disclosure is presented regarding a hub modular enclosure 136 that allows for modular integration of a generator module 140, a smoke evacuation module 126, a suction / irrigation module 128, and an insufflation module 129. The hub modular enclosure 136 further facilitates interactive communication between the modules 140, 126, 128, and 129. The generator module 140 may be a generator module that includes integrated monopolar, bipolar, and ultrasonic components supported within a single housing unit that is slidably insertable into the hub modular enclosure 136. The generator module 140 may be configured to connect to a monopolar device 142, a bipolar device 144, and an ultrasonic device 148. Alternatively, the generator module 140 may include a series of monopolar, bipolar, and / or ultrasonic generator modules that interact via the hub modular enclosure 136. The hub modular enclosure 136 can be configured to facilitate the insertion of multiple generators and bidirectional communication between the generators docked to the hub modular enclosure 136 so that the multiple generators function as a single generator.

[0040] In one aspect, the hub's modular enclosure 136 includes a modular power and communication backplane 149 with external and wireless communication headers to allow removable attachment of and interactive communication between the modules 140, 126, 128, 129.

[0041] Generator Hardware As used throughout this specification, the term "wireless" and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communication channels, etc. that may communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation over a non-solid medium. This term does not imply that the associated devices do not include any wires, although in some aspects they may not be present. A communication module may implement any of a number of wireless or wired communication standards or protocols, including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 family), WiMAX (IEEE 802.16 family), IEEE 802.20, Long Term Evolution (LTE), Ev-DO, HSPA+, HSDPA+, HSUPA+, EDGE, GSM, GPRS, CDMA, TDMA, DECT, Bluetooth, Ethernet derivatives thereof, as well as any other wireless and wired protocols designated 3G, 4G, 5G, and beyond. A computing module may include multiple communication modules. For example, the first communication module may be dedicated to short-range wireless communication such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and the second communication module may be dedicated to long-range wireless communication such as GPS, EDGE, GPRS, CDMA, WiMAX, LTE, and Ev-DO.

[0042] As used herein, a processor or processing unit is an electronic circuit that performs operations on some external data source (usually memory) or some other data stream. The term is used herein to refer to a system that combines many specialized "processors" or the central processor (central processing unit) within a computer system (especially a system on a chip (SoC)).

[0043] As used herein, a system on a chip (SoC or SOC) is an integrated circuit (also known as an "IC" or "chip") that integrates all the components of a computer or other electronic system. It can include digital, analog, mixed-signal, and often high-frequency functions, all on a single substrate. An SoC integrates a microcontroller (or microprocessor) with modern peripherals such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), Wi-Fi module, or coprocessor. An SoC may or may not include built-in memory.

[0044] As used herein, a microcontroller or controller is a system that integrates a microprocessor with peripheral circuits and memory. A microcontroller (or MCU for microcontroller unit) may be implemented as a small computer on a single integrated circuit. This may be similar to an SoC, which may include a microcontroller as one of its components. A microcontroller may house one or more core processing units (CPUs) along with memory and programmable input / output peripherals. Program memory and a small amount of RAM in the form of ferroelectric RAM, NOR flash, or OTP ROM are also often included on the chip. Microcontrollers may be used for embedded applications, as opposed to microprocessors used in personal computers or other general-purpose applications, which are made up of various individual chips.

[0045] As used herein, the term controller or microcontroller may be a standalone IC or chip device that interfaces with a peripheral device, or it may be the link between two parts: a computer or controller on an external device that manages the operation of (and connections with) that device.

[0046] Any of the processors or microcontrollers described herein may be implemented by any single-core or multi-core processor, such as those known by the trade name ARM Cortex manufactured by Texas Instruments. In one aspect, the processor may be, for example, an LM4F230H5QR ARM Cortex-M4F processor core available from Texas Instruments. This processor core includes 256 KB of on-chip memory of single-cycle flash memory or other non-volatile memory up to 40 MHz, a prefetch buffer to improve performance above 40 MHz, 32 KB of single-cycle serial random access memory (SRAM), internal read-only memory (ROM) loaded with StellarisWare® software, 2 KB of electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), one or more pulse width modulation (PWM) modules, one or more quadrature encoder input (QEI) analogs, and one or more 12-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) with 12 analog input channels. More details are available in the product datasheet.

[0047] In one aspect, the processor may include a safety controller, including two controller-based families such as the TMS570 and RM4x, also known under the trade name Hercules ARM Cortex R4, manufactured by Texas Instruments. The safety controller may be specifically configured for IEC 61508 and ISO 26262 safety limit applications, among others, to provide advanced integrated safety mechanisms while offering scalable performance, connectivity, and memory options.

[0048] Modular devices include modules receivable within a surgical hub (e.g., as described in connection with FIG. 3 ) and surgical devices or instruments that can be connected to various modules to connect or pair with corresponding surgical hubs. Modular devices include, for example, intelligent surgical instruments, medical imaging devices, suction / irrigation devices, smoke evacuators, energy generators, ventilators, aspirators, and displays. The modular devices described herein can be controlled by a control algorithm. The control algorithm may execute on the modular device itself, on the surgical hub to which a particular modular device is paired, or on both the modular device and the surgical hub (e.g., via a distributed computing architecture). In some examples, the modular device's control algorithm controls the device based on data sensed by the modular device itself (i.e., by sensors within, on, or connected to the modular device). This data may be related to the patient during surgery (e.g., tissue characteristics or insufflation pressure) or to the modular device itself (e.g., advancing knife speed, motor current, or energy level). For example, a control algorithm for a surgical stapling and severing instrument may control the speed at which the instrument's motor drives the knife through tissue based on the resistance offered by the knife as it advances.

[0049] 4 illustrates one form of a surgical system 2200 including a modular energy system 2000 and various surgical instruments 2204, 2206, 2208 usable therewith, where the surgical instrument 2204 is an ultrasonic surgical instrument, the surgical instrument 2206 is an RF electrosurgical instrument, and the multifunction surgical instrument 2208 is a combination ultrasonic / RF electrosurgical instrument. The modular energy system 2000 is configurable for use with a variety of surgical instruments. According to various forms, the modular energy system 2000 may be configurable for use with a variety of different types of surgical devices including, for example, the ultrasonic surgical instrument 2204, the RF electrosurgical instrument 2206, and the multifunction surgical instrument 2208 that integrates RF energy and ultrasonic energy delivered individually or simultaneously from the modular energy system 2000. 4, the modular energy system 2000 is shown separate from the surgical instruments 2204, 2206, 2208, however, in one form the modular energy system 2000 may be integrally formed with any of the surgical instruments 2204, 2206, 2208 to form an integrated surgical system. The modular energy system 2000 may be configured for wired or wireless communication.

[0050] The modular energy system 2000 is configured to drive multiple surgical instruments 2204, 2206, 2208. The first surgical instrument is an ultrasonic surgical instrument 2204 and includes a handpiece 2205 (HP), an ultrasonic transducer 2220, a shaft 2226, and an end effector 2222. The end effector 2222 includes an ultrasonic blade 2228 acoustically coupled to the ultrasonic transducer 2220 and a clamp arm 2240. The handpiece 2205 includes a trigger 2243 that operates the clamp arm 2240 and a combination of toggle buttons 2234a, 2234b, 2234c for energizing and driving the ultrasonic blade 2228 or other functions. The toggle buttons 2234a, 2234b, 2234c can be configured to deliver energy to the ultrasonic transducer 2220 using the modular energy system 2000.

[0051] The modular energy system 2000 is also configured to drive a second surgical instrument 2206. The second surgical instrument 2206 is an RF electrosurgical instrument and includes a handpiece 2207 (HP), a shaft 2227, and an end effector 2224. The end effector 2224 includes electrodes in clamp arms 2242 a, 2242 b and return through an electrical conductor portion of the shaft 2227. The electrodes are coupled to and energized by a bipolar energy source in the modular energy system 2000. The handpiece 2207 includes a trigger 2245 for operating the clamp arms 2242 a, 2242 b and an energy button 2235 for actuating an energy switch to supply energy to the electrodes in the end effector 2224.

[0052] The modular energy system 2000 is also configured to power a multifunction surgical instrument 2208. The multifunction surgical instrument 2208 includes a handpiece 2209 (HP), a shaft 2229, and an end effector 2225. The end effector 2225 includes an ultrasonic blade 2249 and a clamp arm 2246. The ultrasonic blade 2249 is acoustically coupled to an ultrasonic transducer 2220. The ultrasonic transducer 2220 may be separable from or integrated into the handpiece 2209. The handpiece 2209 includes a trigger 2247 that operates the clamp arm 2246 and a combination of toggle buttons 2237a, 2237b, 2237c for energizing and driving the ultrasonic blade 2249 or other functions. The toggle buttons 2237a, 2237b, 2237c can be configured to energize the ultrasonic transducer 2220 using the modular energy system 2000 and to energize the ultrasonic blade 2249 using a bipolar energy source also housed within the modular energy system 2000.

[0053] The modular energy system 2000 is configurable for use with a variety of surgical instruments. According to various embodiments, the modular energy system 2000 may be configurable for use with a variety of different types of surgical devices including, for example, an ultrasonic surgical instrument 2204, an RF electrosurgical instrument 2206, and a multifunction surgical instrument 2208 that integrates RF and ultrasonic energy delivered individually or simultaneously from the modular energy system 2000. In the embodiment of FIG. 4 , the modular energy system 2000 is shown separate from the surgical instruments 2204, 2206, 2208; however, in other embodiments, the modular energy system 2000 may be integrally formed with any of the surgical instruments 2204, 2206, 2208 to form an integrated surgical system. Further aspects of generators for digitally generating electrical signal waveforms and surgical instruments are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017-0086914 A1, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0054] Situational Awareness While “intelligent” devices that include control algorithms responsive to sensed data may offer an improvement over “dumb” devices that operate without considering the sensed data, some sensed data may be incomplete or inconclusive when considered alone, i.e., without the context of the type of surgical procedure being performed or the type of tissue being operated on. Without knowledge of the context of the procedure (e.g., without knowing the type of tissue being operated on or the type of procedure being performed), the control algorithm may inaccurately or suboptimally control the modular device when given sensed data without the specific context. For example, the optimal manner in which a control algorithm controls a surgical instrument in response to a particular sensed parameter may vary depending on the particular type of tissue being operated on. This is due to the fact that different tissue types have different properties (e.g., resistance to tearing) and therefore respond differently to actions taken by the surgical instrument. Thus, it may be desirable for the surgical instrument to take different actions even when the same measurement value is sensed for a particular parameter. As one specific example, the optimal manner in which a surgical stapling and cutting instrument controls in response to the instrument detecting an unexpectedly high closing force on its end effector differs depending on whether the tissue type is susceptible to tearing or resistant to tearing. For tissue that is susceptible to tearing, such as lung tissue, the instrument's control algorithm optimally decelerates the motor in response to the unexpectedly high closing force to avoid tearing the tissue. For tissue that is resistant to tearing, such as stomach tissue, the instrument's control algorithm optimally accelerates the motor in response to the unexpectedly high closing force to ensure that the end effector is properly clamped to the tissue. Without knowing whether lung tissue or stomach tissue is being clamped, the control algorithm may make suboptimal decisions.

[0055] One solution utilizes a surgical hub including a system configured to derive information about the surgical procedure being performed based on data received from various data sources and then control paired modular devices accordingly. In other words, the surgical hub is configured to infer information about the surgical procedure from the received data and then control the modular devices paired with the surgical hub based on the context inferred for the surgical procedure. FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram of a context-aware surgical system 2300 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some examples, the data sources 2326 include, for example, modular devices 2302 (which may include sensors configured to detect parameters associated with the patient and / or the modular devices themselves), databases 2322 (e.g., EMR databases including patient records), and patient monitoring devices 2324 (e.g., blood pressure (BP) monitors and electrocardiogram (EKG) monitors). The surgical hub 2304 can be configured to derive contextual information about the surgical procedure from the data based, for example, on a particular combination of received data or a particular order in which data is received from the data sources 2326. The contextual information inferred from the received data may include, for example, the type of surgical procedure being performed, the particular step in the surgical procedure the surgeon is performing, the type of tissue being operated on, or the body cavity that is the subject of the procedure. This ability by some aspects of the surgical hub 2304 to derive or infer information about the surgical procedure from the received data may be referred to as “situational awareness.” In one example, the surgical hub 2304 may incorporate a situational awareness system that is hardware and / or programming associated with the surgical hub 2304 that derives contextual information related to the surgical procedure from the received data.

[0056] The situational awareness system of the surgical hub 2304 can be configured to derive contextual information from data received from the data sources 2326 in a variety of different ways. In one example, the situational awareness system includes a pattern recognition system or a machine learning system (e.g., an artificial neural network) trained with training data to correlate various inputs (e.g., data from the database 2322, the patient monitoring devices 2324, and / or the modular devices 2302) with corresponding contextual information about the surgical procedure. In other words, the machine learning system can be trained to accurately derive contextual information about the surgical procedure from provided inputs. In another example, the situational awareness system can include a lookup table that stores pre-characterized contextual information about the surgical procedure in association with one or more inputs (or ranges of inputs) corresponding to the contextual information. In response to querying with one or more inputs, the lookup table can return corresponding contextual information for the situational awareness system to control the modular devices 2302. In one example, the contextual information received by the surgical hub 2304 situational awareness system is associated with a particular control adjustment or set of control adjustments for one or more modular devices 2302. In another example, the situational awareness system includes an additional machine learning system, lookup table, or other such system that generates or retrieves one or more control adjustments for one or more modular devices 2302 when provided with the contextual information as input.

[0057] A surgical hub 2304 incorporating a situational awareness system provides many advantages to the surgical system 2300. One advantage includes improved interpretation of sensed and collected data, which improves processing accuracy and / or use of the data during the course of a surgical procedure. Returning to the previous example, the situational aware surgical hub 2304 can determine what type of tissue is being operated on, and thus, if an unexpectedly high force to close the end effector of the surgical instrument is detected, the situational aware surgical hub 2304 can properly accelerate or decelerate the motor of the surgical instrument to match the tissue type.

[0058] As another example, the type of tissue being operated on may affect the adjustments made to the compression speed and load threshold of the surgical stapling and severing instrument for a particular tissue gap measurement. The context-aware surgical hub 2304 may infer whether the surgical procedure being performed is a thoracic or abdominal procedure, which allows the surgical hub 2304 to determine whether the tissue being clamped by the end effector of the surgical stapling and severing instrument is lung tissue (in the case of a thoracic procedure) or stomach tissue (in the case of an abdominal procedure). The surgical hub 2304 can then adjust the compression speed and load threshold of the surgical stapling and severing instrument appropriately for the tissue type.

[0059] As yet another example, the type of body cavity being operated on during an insufflation procedure can affect the functionality of the smoke evacuator. The situation-aware surgical hub 2304 can determine if the surgical site is under pressure (by determining that the surgical procedure is utilizing insufflation) and determine the type of procedure. Since certain procedure types are generally performed within specific body cavities, the surgical hub 2304 can control the motor speed of the smoke evacuator appropriately for the body cavity being operated on. Thus, the situation-aware surgical hub 2304 can provide a consistent amount of smoke evacuation for both thoracic and abdominal procedures.

[0060] As yet another implementation example, the type of procedure being performed can affect the optimal energy level at which an ultrasonic surgical instrument or a radio frequency (RF) electrosurgical instrument operates. For example, an arthroscopic procedure requires a higher energy level because the end effector of the ultrasonic surgical instrument or RF electrosurgical instrument is immersed in fluid. The context-aware surgical hub 2304 can determine whether the surgical procedure is an arthroscopic procedure. The surgical hub 2304 can then adjust the RF power level or ultrasonic amplitude (i.e., "energy level") of the generator to compensate for the fluid-filled environment. Relatedly, the type of tissue being operated on can affect the optimal energy level at which an ultrasonic surgical instrument or RF electrosurgical instrument operates. The context-aware surgical hub 2304 can determine what type of surgical procedure is being performed and then customize the energy level of the ultrasonic surgical instrument or RF electrosurgical instrument, respectively, according to the tissue geometry expected for the surgical procedure. Additionally, the context-aware surgical hub 2304 can be configured to adjust the energy level of the ultrasonic surgical instrument or RF electrosurgical instrument throughout the course of a surgical procedure, rather than simply on a procedure-by-procedure basis. The context-aware surgical hub 2304 can determine which step of the surgical procedure is occurring or will continue, and then update the generator and / or control algorithms of the ultrasonic surgical instrument or RF electrosurgical instrument to set the energy level to a value appropriate for the expected tissue type according to the step of the surgical procedure.

[0061] As yet another example, the surgical hub 2304 may derive data from additional data sources 2326 to improve conclusions drawn from one data source 2326. The context-aware surgical hub 2304 may augment the data received from the modular device 2302 with contextual information constructed about the surgical procedure from other data sources 2326. For example, the context-aware surgical hub 2304 may be configured to determine whether hemostasis has occurred (i.e., whether bleeding at the surgical site has stopped) according to video or image data received from a medical imaging device. However, in some cases, the video or image data may be inconclusive. Thus, in one example, the surgical hub 2304 may be further configured to compare a physiological measurement (e.g., blood pressure sensed by a BP monitor communicatively connected to the surgical hub 2304) with visual or image data of hemostasis (e.g., from a medical imaging device 124 ( FIG. 2 ) communicatively coupled to the surgical hub 2304) to make a determination regarding the integrity of a staple line or tissue weld. In other words, the situational awareness system of the surgical hub 2304 can take physiological measurement data into account to provide additional context when analyzing the visualization data, which can be useful when the visualization data may not be conclusive or incomplete on its own.

[0062] Another advantage includes actively and automatically controlling the paired modular devices 2302 according to the particular step of the surgical procedure being performed to reduce the number of times a medical professional is required to interact with or control the surgical system 2300 during the course of a surgical procedure. For example, the context-aware surgical hub 2304 may actively activate a generator to which an RF electrosurgical instrument is connected if it is determined that a subsequent step in the procedure requires the use of the instrument. By actively activating the energy source, the instrument can be ready for use as soon as the previous step of the procedure is completed.

[0063] As another example, the context-aware surgical hub 2304 can determine whether a current or subsequent step in a surgical procedure requires a different view or magnification on the display according to the feature(s) of the surgical site that the surgeon is expected to need to see. The surgical hub 2304 can then proactively change the displayed view (e.g., provided by a medical imaging device for the visualization system 108) accordingly, so that the display automatically adjusts throughout the surgical procedure.

[0064] As yet another example, the context-aware surgical hub 2304 can determine which step of the surgical procedure is being performed or will be performed next, and whether specific data or data comparisons are required for that step of the surgical procedure. The surgical hub 2304 can be configured to automatically call up data screens based on the step of the surgical procedure being performed, without waiting for the surgeon to ask for specific information.

[0065] Another benefit includes checking for errors during the setup of a surgical procedure or during the course of a surgical procedure. For example, the situation-aware surgical hub 2304 can determine whether the surgical field is properly or optimally set up for the surgical procedure to be performed. The surgical hub 2304 can be configured to determine the type of surgical procedure being performed, retrieve (e.g., from memory) the corresponding checklist, product locations, or setup requirements, and then compare the current operating room layout to a standard layout for the type of surgical procedure the surgical hub 2304 has determined is being performed. In one example, the surgical hub 2304 can be configured to compare a list of items for the procedure (e.g., scanned by a suitable scanner) and / or a list of devices paired with the surgical hub 2304 to a recommended or expected manifest of items and / or devices for a given surgical procedure. If any discontinuities exist between the lists, the surgical hub 2304 can be configured to provide an alert indicating that a particular modular device 2302, patient monitoring device 2324, and / or other surgical item is missing. In one example, the surgical hub 2304 can be configured to determine the relative distance or relative position of the modular device 2302 and the patient monitoring device 2324, for example, by a proximity sensor. The surgical hub 2304 can compare the relative positions of the devices to a recommended or expected layout for a particular surgical procedure. If any discontinuities exist between the layouts, the surgical hub 2304 can be configured to provide an alert indicating that the current layout of the surgical procedure deviates from the recommended layout.

[0066] As another example, the context-aware surgical hub 2304 can determine whether a surgeon (or other medical personnel) is making an error or deviating from an expected sequence of actions during the course of a surgical procedure. For example, the surgical hub 2304 can be configured to determine the type of surgical procedure being performed, retrieve (e.g., from memory) a corresponding list of steps or sequences of equipment use, and then compare the steps being performed or the equipment being used during the course of the surgical procedure with the expected steps or equipment for the type of surgical procedure that the surgical hub 2304 has determined is being performed. In one example, the surgical hub 2304 can be configured to provide an alert indicating that an unexpected action is being performed or an unexpected device is being utilized at a particular step in the surgical procedure.

[0067] Overall, the situational awareness system for the surgical hub 2304 improves surgical outcomes by adjusting surgical instruments (and other modular devices 2302) for the specific context of each surgical procedure (e.g., adjusting for different tissue types) and validating actions during the surgical procedure. The situational awareness system also improves the surgeon's efficiency in performing surgical procedures by automatically suggesting next steps, providing data, and adjusting displays and other modular devices 2302 within the surgical field according to the specific context of the procedure.

[0068] Modular Energy Systems Due to the amount of equipment required to perform surgical procedures, ORs worldwide have become a tangled web of cords, devices, and personnel. Surgical capital equipment tends to be a major source of this problem, as most surgical capital equipment performs a single, specialized task. Due to their specialized nature, surgeons may need to utilize multiple different types of equipment during the course of a single surgical procedure, forcing operating rooms to stockpile two or even more pieces of surgical capital equipment, such as energy generators. Each piece of these surgical capital equipment must be individually plugged into a power source and may be connected to one or more other devices that are passed between personnel in the operating room, resulting in a tangle of cords that may require routing. Another problem faced in modern operating rooms is that each of these specialized pieces of surgical capital equipment must have its own user interface and must be controlled independently from other pieces of equipment in the operating room. This complicates connecting and properly controlling multiple different devices, requiring users to train on and memorize different types of user interfaces (which may further change based on the task or surgical procedure being performed, in addition to changing between each piece of capital equipment). This cumbersome and complex process may require even more individuals to be present in the operating room and may create danger if multiple devices are not properly controlled with each other. Therefore, integrating surgical capital equipment technology into a single system that can flexibly accommodate surgeons' needs to reduce the footprint of surgical capital equipment in the operating room would simplify the user experience, reduce clutter in the operating room, and prevent the difficulties and dangers associated with simultaneously controlling multiple pieces of capital equipment. Furthermore, making such a system extensible or customizable would allow new technology to be conveniently incorporated into existing surgical systems, eliminating the need to replace the entire surgical system or require operating room personnel to learn new user interfaces or equipment controls with each new piece of technology.

[0069] As described in FIGS. 1-3 , the surgical hub 106 can be configured to interchangeably receive a variety of modules, which can interface with surgical devices (e.g., surgical instruments or smoke evacuators) or provide a variety of other functions (e.g., communications). In one aspect, the surgical hub 106 can be embodied as a modular energy system 2000, as shown in connection with FIGS. 6-12 . The modular energy system 2000 can include a variety of different modules 2001 that are connectable to one another in a stacked configuration. In one aspect, the modules 2001 can be physically and communicatively coupled when stacked or otherwise connected together into a single assembly. Furthermore, the modules 2001 can be interchangeably connectable to one another in different combinations or arrangements. In one aspect, each of the modules 2001 can include a consistent or universal array of connectors disposed along their top and bottom surfaces, thereby allowing any module 2001 to be connected to another module 2001 in any arrangement (although in some aspects, a particular module type, such as a header module 2002, can be configured to function as the top-most module in a stack, for example). In an alternative aspect, the modular energy system 2000 can include a housing configured to receive and hold the module 2001, as shown in FIG. 3. The modular energy system 2000 can also include a variety of different components or accessories that can be connected to or otherwise associated with the module 2001. In another aspect, the modular energy system 2000 can be embodied as a generator module 140 of the surgical hub 106 (FIG. 3). In yet another aspect, the modular energy system 2000 can be a system separate from the surgical hub 106. In such an embodiment, the modular energy system 2000 may be communicatively coupleable to the surgical hub 206 for transmitting and / or receiving data therebetween.

[0070] Modular energy system 2000 can be assembled from a variety of different modules 2001, some examples of which are shown in FIG. 6 . Each of the different types of modules 2001 can provide different functions, thereby allowing modular energy systems 2000 to be assembled into different configurations to customize the functionality and capabilities of the modular energy system 2000 by customizing the modules 2001 included in each modular energy system 2000. The modules 2001 of modular energy system 2000 can include, for example, a header module 2002 (which can include a display screen 2006), an energy module 2004, a technology module 2040, and a visualization module 2042. In the illustrated embodiment, the header module 2002 is configured to function as the top or uppermost module in the modular energy system stack and therefore may lack connectors along its top surface. In another embodiment, the header module 2002 can be configured to be positioned at the bottom or to be the bottom module in the modular energy system stack and therefore may lack connectors along its bottom surface. In yet another aspect, the header module 2002 can be configured to be positioned in an intermediate position within the modular energy system stack and, therefore, can include connectors along both its bottom and top surfaces. The header module 2002 can be configured to control system-wide settings for each module 2001 and their connected components through physical controls 2011 on the header module 2002 and / or through a graphical user interface (GUI) 2008 displayed on the display screen 2006. Such settings can include activation of the modular energy system 2000, alarm volume settings, footswitch settings, settings icons, user interface appearance or configuration, surgeon profile logged into the modular energy system 2000, and / or the type of surgical procedure being performed.The header module 2002 may also be configured to provide communication, processing, and / or power for the modules 2001 connected to the header module 2002. The energy module 2004, which may also be referred to as the generator module 140 (FIG. 3), may be configured to generate one or more energy modalities for driving electrosurgical and / or ultrasonic surgical instruments. The technology module 2040 may be configured to provide additional or extended control algorithms (e.g., electrosurgical or ultrasonic control algorithms for controlling the energy output of the energy module 2004). The visualization module 2042 may be configured to interface with a visualization device (i.e., a scope) and therefore may provide enhanced visualization capabilities.

[0071] The modular energy system 2000 may further include various accessories 2029 connectable to the module 2001 to control the functionality of the module 2001 or otherwise configured to function in conjunction with the modular energy system 2000. The accessories 2029 may include, for example, a single pedal footswitch 2032, a dual pedal footswitch 2034, and a cart 2030 for supporting the modular energy system 2000 thereon. The footswitches 2032, 2034 may be configured, for example, to control the activation or function of a particular energy modality output by the energy module 2004.

[0072] By utilizing modular components, the illustrated modular energy system 2000 provides a surgical platform that grows with technology availability and is customizable to fit the needs of the facility and / or surgeon. Additionally, the modular energy system 2000 supports combo devices (e.g., electrosurgical and ultrasonic energy dual generators) and software-driven algorithms for customized effects on tissue. Still further, the surgical system architecture reduces the capital equipment footprint by combining multiple technologies critical to surgical procedures into a single system.

[0073] The various modular components available in association with the modular energy system 2000 can include a monopolar energy generator, a bipolar energy generator, a dual electrosurgical / ultrasonic energy generator, a display screen, and various other modules and / or components, some of which are also described above in association with FIGS. 1-3.

[0074] 7A , the header module 2002, in some embodiments, may include a display screen 2006 that displays a GUI 2008 for relaying information regarding the modules 2001 connected to the header module 2002. In some embodiments, the GUI 2008 of the display screen 2006 may provide a unified point of control for all of the modules 2001 that make up a particular configuration of the modular energy system 2000. Various embodiments of the GUI 2008 are discussed in more detail below in connection with FIG. 12 . In alternative embodiments, the header module 2002 may lack the display screen 2006, or the display screen 2006 may be removably connected to the housing 2010 of the header module 2002. In such embodiments, the header module 2002 may be communicatively coupleable to an external system configured to display information generated by the modules 2001 of the modular energy system 2000. For example, in a robotic surgical application, the modular energy system 2000 may be communicatively coupled to a robotic cart or robotic control console configured to display information generated by the modular energy system 2000 to an operator of the robotic surgical system. As another example, the modular energy system 2000 may be communicatively coupled to a mobile display carried by or attached to surgical personnel such that information can be viewed on the mobile display. In yet another example, the modular energy system 2000 may be communicatively coupled to a surgical hub 2100 or another computer system that may include a display 2104, as shown in FIG. 11 .In embodiments utilizing a user interface that is separate or otherwise distinct from the modular energy system 2000, the user interface may be wirelessly connectable to the entire modular energy system 2000 or to one or more of the modules 2001 thereof such that the user interface can display information from the connected modules 2001.

[0075] 7A , the energy module 2004 can include a port assembly 2012 that includes a number of different ports configured to deliver different energy modalities to corresponding surgical instruments connectable thereto. In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-12 , the port assembly 2012 includes a bipolar port 2014, a first monopolar port 2016 a, a second monopolar port 2016 b, a neutral port 2018 (to which a monopolar return pad can be connected), and a combination energy port 2020. However, this particular combination of ports is provided for illustrative purposes only, and alternative combinations of ports and / or energy modalities may be possible for the port assembly 2012.

[0076] As described above, the modular energy system 2000 can be assembled into different configurations. Furthermore, different configurations of the modular energy system 2000 may also be available for different surgical procedure types and / or different tasks. For example, FIGS. 7A and 7B show a first exemplary configuration of the modular energy system 2000 including a header module 2002 (including a display screen 2006) and an energy module 2004 connected together. Such a configuration may be suitable for laparoscopic and open surgical procedures, for example.

[0077] FIG. 8A shows a second exemplary configuration of the modular energy system 2000, including a header module 2002 (including a display screen 2006), a first energy module 2004a, and a second energy module 2004b connected together. By stacking two energy modules 2004a, 2004b, the modular energy system 2000 can provide a pair of port assemblies 2012a, 2012b for expanding the array of energy modalities deliverable by the modular energy system 2000 from the first configuration. Thus, the second configuration of the modular energy system 2000 can accommodate two or more bipolar / monopolar electrosurgical instruments, three or more bipolar / monopolar electrosurgical instruments, etc. Such a configuration may be particularly suitable for complex laparoscopic and open surgical procedures. FIG. 8B shows a third exemplary configuration, similar to the second configuration, except that the header module 2002 lacks the display screen 2006. This configuration may be suitable for robotic surgical or mobile display applications, as discussed above.

[0078] 9 shows a fourth exemplary configuration of a modular energy system 2000 including a header module 2002 (including a display screen 2006), a first energy module 2004a, a second energy module 2004b, and a technology module 2040 connected together. Such a configuration may be suitable for surgical applications where particularly complex or computationally intensive control algorithms are required. Alternatively, the technology module 2040 may be a newly released module that complements or extends the functionality of a previously released module (such as the energy module 2004).

[0079] 10 illustrates a fifth exemplary configuration of the modular energy system 2000 including a header module 2002 (including a display screen 2006), a first energy module 2004a, a second energy module 2004b, a technology module 2040, and a visualization module 2042 connected together. Such a configuration may be suitable for endoscopic procedures by providing a dedicated surgical display 2044 for relaying a video feed from a scope coupled to the visualization module 2042. It should be noted that the configurations shown in FIGS. 7A-11 and described above are provided merely to illustrate various concepts of the modular energy system 2000 and should not be construed to limit the modular energy system 2000 to the specific aforementioned configurations.

[0080] As mentioned above, the modular energy system 2000 may be communicatively coupleable to an external system, such as a surgical hub 2100, as shown in FIG. 11 . Such an external system may include a display screen 2104 for displaying a visual feed from an endoscope (or camera or another such visualization device) and / or data from the modular energy system 2000. Such an external system may also include a computer system 2102 for performing calculations or otherwise analyzing data generated or provided by the modular energy system 2000, for controlling functions or modes of the modular energy system 2000, and / or for relaying data to a cloud computing system or another computer system. Such an external system may also coordinate operations between multiple modular energy systems 2000 and / or other surgical systems (e.g., visualization systems 108 and / or robotic systems 110, as described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2 ).

[0081] 12 , in some aspects, the header module 2002 can include or support a display 2006 configured to display a GUI 2008, as described above. The display screen 2006 can include a touch screen for receiving input from a user in addition to displaying information. The controls displayed on the GUI 2008 can correspond to the modules 2001 connected to the header module 2002. In some aspects, different portions or regions of the GUI 2008 can correspond to particular modules 2001. For example, a first portion or region of the GUI 2008 can correspond to a first module, and a second portion or region of the GUI 2008 can correspond to a second module. As different and / or additional modules 2001 are connected to the modular energy system stack, the GUI 2008 can adjust to correspond to different and / or additional controls for each newly added module 2001 or to remove controls for each removed module 2001. Each portion of the display corresponding to a particular module connected to the header module 2002 may display controls, data, user prompts, and / or other information corresponding to that module. For example, in FIG. 12 , the first or upper portion 2052 of the illustrated GUI 2008 displays controls and data associated with the energy module 2004 connected to the header module 2002. Specifically, the first portion 2052 of the GUI 2008 for the energy module 2004 provides a first widget 2056 a corresponding to the bipolar port 2014, a second widget 2056 b corresponding to the first monopolar port 2016 a, a third widget 2056 c corresponding to the second monopolar port 2016 b, and a fourth widget 2056 d corresponding to the combination energy port 2020. Each of these widgets 2056a-d provides data associated with the widget's corresponding port in the port assembly 2012, as well as controls for controlling the mode and other features of the energy modality delivered by the energy module 2004 through the respective port in the port assembly 2012.For example, widgets 2056a-d may be configured to display the power level of a surgical instrument connected to their respective ports, change the operating mode of a surgical instrument connected to their respective ports (e.g., change a surgical instrument from a first power level to a second power level and / or change a monopolar surgical instrument from a "spray" mode to a "blend" mode), and the like.

[0082] In one aspect, the header module 2002 may include various physical controls 2011 in addition to or instead of the GUI 2008. Such physical controls 2011 may include, for example, a power button that controls the application of power to each module 2001 connected to the header module 2002 in the modular energy system 2000. Alternatively, the power button may be displayed as part of the GUI 2008. Thus, the header module 2002 may act as a single point of contact, eliminating the need to individually activate and deactivate each individual module 2001 from which the modular energy system 2000 is built.

[0083] In one aspect, the header module 2002 can display still images, video, animation, and / or information associated with the surgical module 2001 on which the modular energy system 2000 is constructed or a surgical device communicatively coupled to the modular energy system 2000. The still images and / or video displayed by the header module 2002 can be received from an endoscope or another visualization device communicatively coupled to the modular energy system 2000. The animation and / or information in the GUI 2008 can be overlaid on or displayed adjacent to the image or video feed.

[0084] In one aspect, modules 2001 other than header module 2002 can be configured to relay information to a user as well. For example, energy module 2004 can include light assemblies 2015 disposed around each of the ports of port assembly 2012. The light assemblies 2015 can be configured to relay information about the port to a user according to their color or state (e.g., blinking). For example, light assemblies 2015 can change from a first color to a second color when a plug is fully seated in its respective port. In one aspect, the color or state of light assemblies 2015 can be controlled by header module 2002. For example, header module 2002 can cause the light assembly 2015 of each port to display a color corresponding to the color indication of the port on GUI 2008.

[0085] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a standalone hub configuration of a modular energy system 3000, and FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a hub configuration of a modular energy system 3000 integrated with a surgical control system 3010, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the modular energy system 3000 can be utilized as a standalone unit or integrated with a surgical control system 3010 to control and / or receive data from one or more surgical hub units. In the example shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the integrated header / UI module 3002 of the modular energy system 3000 includes a header module and a UI module integrated together as a single module. In other embodiments, the header module and UI module can be provided as separate components communicatively coupled via a data bus 3008.

[0086] 13 , an example standalone modular energy system 3000 includes an integrated header module / user interface (UI) module 3002 coupled to an energy module 3004. Power and data are transmitted between the integrated header / UI module 3002 and the energy module 3004 through a power interface 3006 and a data interface 3008. For example, the integrated header / UI module 3002 can transmit various commands to the energy module 3004 through the data interface 3008. Such commands can be based on user input from the UI. As a further example, power may be transmitted to the energy module 3004 through the power interface 3006.

[0087] 14 , the surgical hub configuration includes a modular energy system 3000 integrated with a control system 3010 and an interface system 3022 for managing, among other things, data and power transfer to and / or from the modular energy system 3000. The modular energy system shown in FIG. 14 includes an integrated header module / UI module 3002, a first energy module 3004, and a second energy module 3012. In one embodiment, a data transmission path is established between the system control unit 3024 of the control system 3010 and the second energy module 3012 (through the first energy module 3004) and the header / UI module 3002 (through the data interface 3008). Additionally, a power path extends between the integrated header / UI module 3002 and the second energy module 3012 through the power interface 3006 and through the first energy module 3004. In other words, in one aspect, the first energy module 3004 is configured to function as a power and data interface between the second energy module 3012 and the integrated header / UI module 3002 through the power interface 3006 and the data interface 3008. This configuration allows the modular energy system 3000 to be expanded by seamlessly connecting additional energy modules 3004, 3012 already connected to the integrated header / UI module 3002 without requiring dedicated power and energy interfaces within the integrated header / UI module 3002.

[0088] A system control unit 3024, which may be referred to herein as a control circuit, control logic, microprocessor, microcontroller, logic, or FPGA, or various combinations thereof, is coupled to a system interface 3022 via an energy interface 3026 and an appliance communication interface 3028. The system interface 3022 is coupled to a first energy module 3004 via a first energy interface 3014 and a first appliance communication interface 3016. The system interface 3022 is coupled to a second energy module 3012 via a second energy interface 3018 and a second appliance communication interface 3020. When additional modules, such as additional energy modules, are stacked within the modular energy system 3000, additional energy and communication interfaces are provided between the system interface 3022 and the additional modules.

[0089] The energy modules 3004, 3012 are connectable to the hub and can be configured to generate electrosurgical energy (e.g., bipolar or monopolar), ultrasonic energy, or combinations thereof (referred to herein as "advanced energy" modules) for various energy surgical instruments. Generally, the energy modules 3004, 3012 include a hardware / software interface, an ultrasonic controller, an advanced energy RF controller, a bipolar RF controller, and control algorithms executed by a controller that receives outputs from the controller and controls the operation of the various energy modules 3004, 3012 accordingly. In various aspects of the present disclosure, the controllers described herein may be implemented as control circuitry, control logic, microprocessors, microcontrollers, logic, or FPGAs, or various combinations thereof.

[0090] 15-17 are block diagrams of various modular energy systems connected together to form a hub, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 15-17 show various diagrams (e.g., circuit or control diagrams) of a hub module. The modular energy system 3000 includes a plurality of energy modules 3004 ( FIG. 16 ), 3012 ( FIG. 17 ), a header module 3150 ( FIG. 17 ), a UI module 3030 ( FIG. 15 ), and a communications module 3032 ( FIG. 15 ), according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The UI module 3030 includes a touchscreen 3046 that displays various relevant information and various user controls for controlling one or more parameters of the modular energy system 3000. The UI module 3030 is attached to the top header module 3150 but is housed separately so that it can be operated independently of the header module 3150. For example, the UI module 3030 may be picked up by a user and / or reattached to the header module 3150. Additionally or alternatively, the UI module 3030 can move slightly relative to the header module 3150 to adjust its position and / or orientation. For example, the UI module 3030 can be tilted and / or rotated relative to the header module 3150.

[0091] In some aspects, the various hub modules can include light piping around the physical ports for communicating instrument status and can also connect elements on the screen to corresponding instruments. Light piping is one example of lighting technology that can be used to alert a user to the status of a surgical instrument attached / connected to a physical port. In one aspect, illuminating a physical port with a particular light prompts a user to connect a surgical instrument to the physical port. In another example, illuminating a physical port with a particular light alerts a user to an error associated with an existing connection with a surgical instrument.

[0092] 15 , a block diagram of a user interface (UI) module 3030 coupled to a communications module 3032 via a pass-through hub connector 3034 is shown, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The UI module 3030 may be provided as a separate component from the header module 3150 (shown in FIG. 17 ) and may be communicatively coupled to the header module 3150 via the communications module 3032, for example. In one aspect, the UI module 3030 may include a UI processor 3040 configured to represent declarative visualizations and behaviors received from other connected modules and to perform other centralized UI functionality, such as system configuration (e.g., language selection, module association, etc.). The UI processor 3040 may be, for example, a processor or system-on-module (SOM) running a framework such as Qt, .NET WPF, or a web server.

[0093] In the illustrated example, the UI module 3030 includes a touchscreen 3046, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 3048, and an audio output 3052 (e.g., speaker, buzzer). The UI processor 3040 is configured to receive touchscreen input from a touch controller 3044 coupled between the touchscreen 3046 and the UI processor 3040. The UI processor 3040 is configured to output visual information to the LCD display 3048 and audio information to the audio output 3052 via an audio amplifier 3050. The UI processor 3040 interfaces with the communication module 3032 via a switch 3042 coupled to the pass-through hub connector 3034 and is configured to receive, process, and forward data from a source device to a destination device and control data communication therebetween. DC power is supplied to the UI module 3030 via a DC / DC converter module 3054. DC power is passed through the pass-through hub connector 3034 and through the power bus 3006 to the communications module 3032. Data is passed through the pass-through hub connector 3034 and through the data bus 3008 to the communications module 3032. The switches 3042, 3056 receive, process, and forward data from the source device to the destination device.

[0094] Continuing with FIG. 15 , the communications module 3032, as well as various surgical hubs and / or surgical systems, may include a gateway 3058 configured to shuttle select traffic (i.e., data) between two different networks (e.g., an internal network and / or a hospital network) running different protocols. The communications module 3032 includes a first pass-through hub connector 3036 for coupling the communications module 3032 to other modules. In the example shown, the communications module 3032 is coupled to the UI module 3030. The communications module 3032 is coupled to other modules (e.g., an energy module) via a second pass-through hub connector 3038 and is configured to couple the communications module 3032 to other modules via a switch 3056 disposed between the first pass-through hub connector 3036 and the second pass-through hub connector 3038 to receive, process, and forward data from a source device to a destination device and control data communication therebetween. The switch 3056 is also coupled to a gateway 3058 to communicate information between the external communication port and the UI module 3030 and other connected modules. The gateway 3058 may be coupled to various communication modules, such as, for example, an Ethernet module 3060 for communicating with a hospital or other local network, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) module 3062, a WiFi module 3064, and a Bluetooth module 3066, among others. The communication modules may be physical boards located within the communication module 3032 or may be ports that couple to remote communication boards.

[0095] In some aspects, all of the modules (i.e., removable hardware) are controlled by a single UI module 3030 disposed on or integral with the header module. FIG. 17 illustrates a standalone header module 3150 to which the UI module 3030 can be attached. FIGS. 13, 14, and 18 illustrate an integrated header / UI module 3002. Returning now to FIG. 15, in various aspects, by integrating all of the modules into a single responsive UI module 3002, the system provides a simpler way to control and monitor multiple devices at once. This approach significantly reduces the footprint and complexity in the operating room (OR).

[0096] Referring to FIG. 16 , a block diagram of an energy module 3004 is shown, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The communications module 3032 ( FIG. 15 ) is coupled to the energy module 3004 via a second pass-through hub connector 3038 of the communications module 3032 and a first pass-through hub connector 3074 of the energy module 3004. The energy module 3004 may be coupled to other modules, such as the second energy module 3012 shown in FIG. 17 , via a second pass-through hub connector 3078. Returning to FIG. 16 , a switch 3076 disposed between the first pass-through hub connector 3074 and the second pass-through hub connector 3078 receives, processes, and forwards data from a source device to a destination device and controls data communication therebetween. Data is received and transmitted via a data bus 3008. The energy module 3032 includes a controller 3082 for controlling various communication and processing functions of the energy module 3004.

[0097] DC power is received and transmitted by the energy module 3004 over the power bus 3006. The power bus 3006 is coupled to the DC / DC converter module 3138 to provide power to the adjustable regulators 3084, 3107 and the isolated DC / DC converter ports 3096, 3112, 3132.

[0098] In one embodiment, the energy module 3004 can include an ultrasonic wideband amplifier 3086, which in one embodiment can be a linear class H amplifier capable of generating arbitrary waveforms at low total harmonic distortion (THD) levels and can drive a harmonic transducer. The ultrasonic wideband amplifier 3086 is fed by a step-down adjustable regulator 3084 to maximize efficiency and is controlled by a controller 3082, which can be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP) via a direct digital synthesis (DDS), for example. The DDS can be embedded in the transducer DSP or implemented in a field programmable gate array (FPGA), for example. The controller 3082 controls the ultrasonic wideband amplifier 3086 via a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 3106. The output of the ultrasonic wideband amplifier 3086 is fed to an ultrasonic power transformer 3088, which is coupled to the ultrasonic energy output portion of the advanced energy receiving portion 3100. Ultrasonic voltage (V) and current (I) feedback (FB) signals, which may be used to calculate ultrasonic impedance, are fed back to the controller 3082 through the input portion of the advanced energy receiving portion 3100 via an ultrasonic VI FB transformer 3092. The ultrasonic voltage and current feedback signals are routed to the controller 3082 through an analog-to-digital converter 3102 (A / D). Also coupled to the controller 3082 through the advanced energy receiving portion 3100 are an isolated DC / DC converter port 3096, which receives DC power from the power bus 3006, and a medium bandwidth data port 3098.

[0099] In one aspect, the energy module 3004 can include a wideband RF power amplifier 3108, which in one aspect is a linear class H amplifier capable of generating arbitrary waveforms and driving RF loads at a range of output frequencies. The wideband RF power amplifier 3108 is fed by an adjustable buck regulator 3107 to maximize efficiency and is controlled by a controller 3082, which may be implemented as a DSP via a DDS. The DDS may be embedded in the DSP or implemented within an FPGA, for example. The controller 3082 controls the wideband RF amplifier 3086 via a DAC 3122. The output of the wideband RF power amplifier 3108 can be fed through an RF selection relay 3124. The RF selection relay 3124 is configured to receive and selectively transmit the output signal of the wideband RF power amplifier 3108 to various other components of the energy module 3004. In one aspect, the output signal of the wideband RF power amplifier 3108 may be provided through an RF select relay 3124 to an RF power transformer 3110 coupled to an RF output portion of a bipolar RF energy receiver 3118. Bipolar RF voltage (V) and current (I) feedback (FB) signals, which may be used to calculate RF impedance, are fed back to the controller 3082 through the input portion of the bipolar RF energy receiver 3118 via an RF VI FB transformer 3114. The RF voltage and current feedback signals are returned to the controller 3082 through an A / D 3120. Also coupled to the controller 3082 through the bipolar RF energy receiver 3118 are an isolated DC / DC converter port 3112, which receives DC power from the power bus 3006, and a low bandwidth data port 3116.

[0100] As mentioned above, in one aspect, the energy module 3004 can include an RF selection relay 3124 driven by a controller 3082 (e.g., FPGA) at a rated coil current for actuation, which can also be set to a lower holding current via pulse width modulation (PWM) to limit steady-state power dissipation. Switching of the RF selection relay 3124 is accomplished by a force-inductive (safety) relay, and the state of the contact is sensed by the controller 3082 as mitigation of any single fault condition. In one aspect, the RF selection relay 3124 is configured to be in a first state, where an output RF signal received from an RF source, such as the wideband RF power amplifier 3108, is transmitted to a first component of the energy module 3004, such as the RF power transformer 3110 of the bipolar energy receiver 3118. In a second aspect, the RF selection relay 3124 is configured to be in a second state, and an output RF signal received from an RF source, such as the wideband RF power amplifier 3108, is transmitted to a second component, such as an RF power transformer 3128 of a monopolar energy receiving portion 3136, described in more detail below. In a general aspect, the RF selection relay 3124 is configured to be driven by the controller 3082 to switch between a plurality of states, such as a first state and a second state, to transmit the output RF signal received from the RF power amplifier 3108 between different energy receiving portions of the energy module 3004.

[0101] As mentioned above, the output of wideband RF power amplifier 3108 can also be fed through RF select relay 3124 to wideband RF power transformer 3128 of RF monopolar receiver 3136. Unipolar RF voltage (V) and current (I) feedback (FB) signals, which can be used to calculate RF impedance, are fed back to controller 3082 through the input of monopolar RF energy receiver 3136 via RF VI FB transformer 3130. The RF voltage and current feedback signals are returned to controller 3082 through A / D 3126. Also coupled to controller 3082 through monopolar RF energy receiver 3136 are isolated DC / DC converter port 3132, which receives DC power from power bus 3006, and low bandwidth data port 3134.

[0102] The output of the wideband RF power amplifier 3108 can also be fed through an RF select relay 3124 to a wideband RF power transformer 3090 of the advanced energy receiving portion 3100. RF voltage (V) and current (I) feedback (FB) signals, which can be used to calculate RF impedance, are fed back to the controller 3082 through the input portion of the advanced energy receiving portion 3100 via an RF VI FB transformer 3094. The RF voltage and current feedback signals are returned to the controller 3082 through the A / D 3104.

[0103] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a second energy module 3012 coupled to a header module 3150 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The first energy module 3004 shown in FIG. 16 is coupled to the second energy module 3012 shown in FIG. 17 by coupling the second pass-through hub connector 3078 of the first energy module 3004 to the first pass-through hub connector 3074 of the second energy module 3012. In one embodiment, the second energy module 3012 may be an energy module similar to the first energy module 3004, as shown in FIG. 17. In another embodiment, the second energy module 2012 may be a different energy module than the first energy module, such as the energy module shown in FIG. 19, which will be described in more detail. Adding the second energy module 3012 to the first energy module 3004 adds functionality to the modular energy system 3000.

[0104] The second energy module 3012 is coupled to the header module 3150 by connecting the pass-through hub connector 3078 to the pass-through hub connector 3152 of the header module 3150. In one aspect, the header module 3150 may include a header processor 3158 configured to manage power button functionality 3166, software upgrades through an upgrade USB module 3162, system time management, and a gateway to an external network (i.e., a hospital or the cloud) via an Ethernet module 3164, which may run different protocols. Data is received by the header module 3150 through the pass-through hub connector 3152. The header processor 3158 is also coupled to a switch 3160 to receive, process, and forward data from a source device to a destination device and control data communication therebetween. The header processor 3158 is also coupled to an OTS power supply 3156, which is coupled to a mains power input module 3154.

[0105] FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a header / user interface (UI) module 3002 for a hub, such as the header module shown in FIG. 15, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The header / UI module 3002 includes a header power module 3172, a header radio module 3174, a header USB module 3176, a header audio / screen module 3178, a header network module 3180 (e.g., Ethernet), a backplane connector 3182, a header wait processor module 3184, and a header footswitch module 3186. These functional modules interact to provide the header / UI 3002 functionality. A header / UI controller 3170 controls each of the functional modules and communication between them and includes safety limit control logic modules 3230, 3232 coupled between the header / UI controller 3170 and an isolation communication module 3234 coupled to the header footswitch module 3186. A security coprocessor 3188 is coupled to the header / UI controller 3170.

[0106] Header power module 3172 includes a mains power entry module 3190 coupled to an OTS power supply unit 3192 (PSU). Low-voltage DC (e.g., 5V) standby power is supplied from OTS PSU 3192 to header / UI module 3002 and other modules over low-voltage power bus 3198. High-voltage DC (e.g., 60V) is supplied from OTS PSU 3192 to header / UI module 3002 over high-voltage bus 3200. High-voltage DC supplies DC / DC converter module 3196 as well as isolated DC / DC converter module 3236. A standby processor 3204 in header / standby module 3184 provides PSU / enable signal 3202 to OTS PSU 3192.

[0107] Header wireless module 3174 includes a WiFi module 3212 and a Bluetooth module 3214. Both the WiFi module 3212 and the Bluetooth module 3214 are coupled to the header / UI controller 3170. The Bluetooth module 3214 is used to connect devices without cables, and the Wi-Fi module 3212 provides high-speed access to a network such as the Internet and can be used to create a wireless network that can link multiple devices, such as multiple energy modules or other modules and surgical instruments, among other devices located in the operating room. Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard used to exchange data over short distances, such as less than 30 feet.

[0108] Header USB module 3176 includes USB port 3216 coupled to header / UI controller 3170. USB module 3176 provides a standard cable connection interface for modules and other electronic devices via short-range digital data communication. USB module 3176 allows modules, including USB devices, to connect to each other via a USB cable and transfer digital data.

[0109] The header audio / screen module 3178 includes a touch screen 3220 coupled to a touch controller 3218. The touch controller 3218 is coupled to the header / UI controller 3170 to read input from the touch screen 3220. The header / UI controller 3170 drives an LCD display 3224 via a display / port video output signal 3222. The header / UI controller 3170 is coupled to an audio amplifier 3226 to drive one or more speakers 3228.

[0110] In one aspect, the header / UI module 3002 provides a touchscreen 3220 user interface configured to control one control or module connected to the header module 3002 in the modular energy system 3000. The touchscreen 3220 can be used to maintain a single point of access for a user to adjust all of the modules connected in the modular energy system 3000. Additional hardware modules (e.g., a smoke evacuation module) may be visible at the bottom of the user interface LCD display 3224 when connected to the header / UI module 3002 and may disappear from the user interface LCD display 3224 when disconnected from the header / UI module 3002.

[0111] Additionally, the user touch screen 3220 may provide access to settings for modules installed in the modular energy system 3000. Additionally, the layout of the user interface LCD display 3224 may be configured to vary according to the number and type of modules connected to the header / UI module 3002. For example, for a first application where one energy module and one smoke evacuation module are connected to the header / UI module 3002, a first user interface may be displayed on the LCD display 3224, and for a second application where two energy modules are connected to the header / UI module 3002, a second user interface may be displayed on the LCD display 3224. Additionally, as modules are connected and disconnected from the modular energy system 3000, the user interface may change its display on the LCD display 3224.

[0112] In one aspect, the header / UI module 3002 provides a user interface LCD display 3224 configured to display corresponding port lighting on an LCD display that changes color. In one aspect, the coloring of the LED lights around the instrument panel and its corresponding ports are the same or otherwise correspond to one another. Each color can, for example, convey a unique meaning. In this manner, a user can quickly assess which instrument an instruction refers to and the nature of the instruction. Furthermore, an instruction regarding an instrument can be represented by a change in color of the LED lights around its corresponding port and the coloring of that module. Furthermore, the alignment of the on-screen message and the hardware / software port can also serve to communicate that action must be taken on the hardware, rather than on the interface. In various aspects, all other instruments can be used while an alarm is occurring on another instrument. This allows a user to quickly assess which instrument an instruction refers to and the nature of the instruction.

[0113] In one aspect, the header / UI module 3002 provides a user interface screen configured to display on the LCD display 3224 to present treatment options to the user. In one aspect, the user interface may be configured to present the user with a series of options (e.g., arranged from general to detailed). After each selection is made, the modular energy system 3000 represents the next level until all selections are complete. These settings may be managed locally and transferred via secondary means (e.g., a USB thumb drive). Alternatively, the settings may be managed via a portal and automatically distributed to all connected systems within the hospital.

[0114] The procedure options may include, for example, a list of factory-preset options categorized by specialist, procedure, and procedure type. Once the user has completed their selection, the header module can be configured to set any connected instruments to the pre-set settings for that particular procedure. The procedure options may also include, for example, a list of surgeons, followed by specialist, procedure, and type. Once the user has completed their selection, the system can suggest the surgeon's preferred instruments and set the settings for those instruments according to the surgeon's preferences (i.e., a profile associated with each surgeon that stores the surgeon's preferences).

[0115] In one aspect, the header / UI module 3002 provides a user interface screen configured to display important appliance settings on the LCD display 3224. In one aspect, each appliance panel displayed on the user interface's LCD display 3224 corresponds in arrangement and content to an appliance plugged into the modular energy system 3000. When a user taps on a panel, it may expand to reveal additional settings and options for that particular appliance and the remainder of the screen, which may, for example, be dimmed or otherwise de-emphasized.

[0116] In one aspect, the header / UI module 3002 provides a user interface instrument settings panel configured to include / display instrument-specific controls, allowing the user to increase or decrease its output intensity, toggle specific functions, pair it with system accessories such as a footswitch connected to the header footswitch module 3186, access advanced instrument settings, and find additional information about the instrument. In one aspect, the user can tap / select the “Advanced Settings” control to expand an advanced settings drawer displayed on the user interface LCD display 3224. In one aspect, the user can then tap / select an icon in the upper right corner of the instrument settings panel or tap anywhere outside the panel, and the panel will collapse to its original state. In these aspects, the user interface is configured to display only the most important instrument settings, such as power level and power mode, on the ready / home screen of each instrument panel on the LCD display 3224. This is to maximize the size and readability of the system from a remote location. In some aspects, the panels and the settings therein can be scaled proportionally to the number of instruments connected to the system to further improve readability. As more instruments are connected, the panel is scaled to accommodate a greater amount of information.

[0117] The header network module 3180 includes multiple network interfaces 3264, 3266, 3268 (e.g., Ethernet) for network connecting the header / UI module 3002 to other modules of the modular energy system 3000. In the example shown, one network interface 3264 may be a third-party network interface, another network interface 3266 may be a hospital network interface, and yet another network interface 3268 may be located on the backplane network interface connector 3182.

[0118] The header standby processor module 3184 includes a standby processor 3204 coupled to an on / off switch 3210. The standby processor 3204 performs an electrical continuity test by determining whether current flows in the continuity loop 3206. The continuity test is performed by placing a small voltage across the continuity loop 3206. A serial bus 3208 couples the standby processor 3204 to the backplane connector 3182.

[0119] The header footswitch module 3186 includes a controller 3240 coupled to a plurality of analog footswitch ports 3254, 3256, 3258 through a plurality of corresponding presence / ID and switch status modules 3242, 3244, 3246, respectively. The controller 3240 is also coupled to an auxiliary port 3260 via a presence / ID and switch status module 3248 and a transceiver module 3250. The auxiliary port 3260 is powered by an auxiliary power module 3252. The controller 3240 is coupled to the header / UI controller 3170 via an isolated communications module 3234, and first and second safety limit control modules 3230, 3232. The header footswitch module 3186 also includes a DC / DC converter module 3238.

[0120] In one aspect, the header / UI module 3002 provides a user interface screen configured to display on the LCD display 3224 for controlling a footswitch connected to any one of the analog footswitch ports 3254, 3256, 3258. In some aspects, when a user plugs into any one of the analog footswitch ports 3254, 3256, 3258 in an instrument that is not manually activated, the instrument panel appears with a warning icon next to the footswitch icon. The instrument settings may be grayed out, for example, because the instrument cannot be activated without using a footswitch.

[0121] When a user plugs a footswitch into any one of the analog footswitch ports 3254, 3256, 3258 in a footswitch, a pop-up appears indicating the footswitch is assigned to that instrument. A footswitch icon indicates that the footswitch is plugged into and assigned to an instrument. The user can then tap / select on the icon to assign, reassign, unassign, or otherwise change the settings associated with that footswitch. In these aspects, the system is configured to use logic to automatically assign footswitches to instruments that are not manually activated, thereby allowing single or dual pedal footswitches to be further assigned to the appropriate instruments. If a user wishes to manually assign / reassign a footswitch, there are two flows that can be utilized.

[0122] In one aspect, the header / UI module 3002 provides a global footswitch button. When the user taps the global footswitch icon (located in the upper right corner of the user interface LCD display 3224), the footswitch assignment overlay appears and the contents of the instrument module dim. A (e.g., photorealistic) representation of each attached footswitch (dual or single pedal) appears at the bottom or on the corresponding instrument panel if not assigned to an instrument. The user can then drag and drop these illustrations to and from the boxed icons in the footswitch assignment overlay to assign, unassign, and reassign footswitches to their respective instruments.

[0123] In one aspect, the header / UI module 3002 provides a user interface screen displayed on the LCD display 3224 showing footswitch auto-assignment in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. As discussed above, the modular energy system 3000 can be configured to auto-assign footswitches to appliances that do not involve manual activation. In some aspects, the header / UI module 3002 can be configured to correlate the color displayed on the user interface LCD display 3224 to the light of the module itself as a means of tracking physical ports using user interface elements.

[0124] In one aspect, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to show various uses of the user interface with different numbers of modules connected to the modular energy system 3000. In various aspects, the overall layout or proportion of the user interface elements displayed on the LCD display 3224 may be based on the number and type of appliances plugged into the header / UI module 3002. These scalable graphics can provide a means to utilize more of the screen for better visualization.

[0125] In one aspect, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to present a user interface screen on the LCD display 3224 to indicate which ports of modules connected to the modular energy system 3000 are active. In some aspects, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to indicate active versus inactive ports by highlighting the active ports and dimming the inactive ports. In one aspect, ports may be color-coded when active (e.g., yellow for monopolar tissue coagulation, blue for bipolar tissue cutting, blue for bipolar tissue cutting, and warm white for high-energy tissue cutting). Additionally, the displayed color matches the color of the light plumbing surrounding the port. The coloring may further indicate that while an instrument is active, the user cannot change settings on other instruments. As another example, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to indicate the bipolar, monopolar, and ultrasound ports of a first energy module as active, and the monopolar port of a second energy module as active as well.

[0126] In one aspect, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to present a user interface screen on the LCD display 3224 for displaying a global settings menu. In one aspect, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to display a menu on the LCD display 3224 for controlling global settings across any modules connected to the modular energy system 3000. The global settings menu may, for example, always be displayed in a consistent location (e.g., always available in the upper right corner of the main screen).

[0127] In one aspect, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to present a user interface screen on the LCD display 3224 configured to prevent changes to settings while a surgical instrument is being used. In one example, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to prevent settings from being changed via a displayed menu when a connected instrument is active. The user interface screen may include, for example, an area (e.g., the upper left corner) reserved to indicate instrument activation while the settings menu is open. In one aspect, a user opens bipolar settings while monopolar coagulation is active. In one aspect, the settings menu can then be used once activation is complete. In one aspect, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to not overlay any menus or other information over the area dedicated to showing important instrument information in order to maintain display of important information.

[0128] In one aspect, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to present a user interface screen on the LCD display 3224 configured to display instrument errors. In one aspect, instrument error warnings may be displayed on the instrument panel itself, allowing the user to continue using other instruments while a nurse troubleshoots the error. This allows the user to continue the surgical procedure without having to stop the surgical procedure to debug the instrument.

[0129] In one aspect, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to present a user interface screen on the LCD display 3224 to display different modes or settings available for various instruments. In various aspects, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to display a settings menu appropriate for the type or application of the surgical instrument connected to the stack / hub. Each settings menu may provide options such as different power levels and energy delivery profiles appropriate for the particular instrument type. In one aspect, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to display different modes available for bipolar cutting, monopolar cutting, and monopolar coagulation applications.

[0130] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to present a user interface screen on the LCD display 3224 to display pre-selected settings. In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to receive the selection of instrument / device settings before an instrument is plugged in, so that the modular energy system 3000 is prepared before the patient enters the operating room. In one embodiment, the user can simply click on a port and then change the settings for that port. In the illustrated embodiment, the selected port appears faded to indicate that the settings have been set, but no instrument is plugged in to that port.

[0131] FIG. 19 is a block diagram of an energy module 3270 of a hub, such as the energy modules shown in FIGS. 13, 14, 16, and 17, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The energy module 3270 is configured to couple to header modules, header / UI modules, and other energy modules via a first pass-through hub connector 3272 and a second pass-through hub connector 3276. A switch 3076 disposed between the first pass-through hub connector 3272 and the second pass-through hub connector 3276 receives, processes, and forwards data from a source device to a destination device and controls data communication therebetween. Data is received and transmitted via a data bus 3008. The energy module 3270 includes a controller 3082 for controlling various communication and processing functions of the energy module 3270.

[0132] DC power is received and transmitted by energy module 3270 over power bus 3006. Power bus 3006 is coupled to DC / DC converter module 3138 to provide power to adjustable regulators 3084, 3107 and isolated DC / DC converter ports 3096, 3112, 3132.

[0133] In one embodiment, the energy module 3270 can include an ultrasonic wideband amplifier 3086, which in one embodiment can be a linear class H amplifier capable of generating arbitrary waveforms at low total harmonic distortion (THD) levels and can drive a harmonic transducer. The ultrasonic wideband amplifier 3086 is fed by a step-down adjustable regulator 3084 to maximize efficiency and is controlled by a controller 3082, which can be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP) via a direct digital synthesis (DDS), for example. The DDS can be embedded in the transducer DSP or implemented in a field programmable gate array (FPGA), for example. The controller 3082 controls the ultrasonic wideband amplifier 3086 via a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 3106. The output of the ultrasonic wideband amplifier 3086 is fed to an ultrasonic power transformer 3088, which is coupled to the ultrasonic energy output portion of the advanced energy receiver 3100. Ultrasonic voltage (V) and current (I) feedback (FB) signals, which may be used to calculate ultrasonic impedance, are fed back to the controller 3082 through the input portion of the advanced energy receiver 3100 via an ultrasonic VI FB transformer 3092. The ultrasonic voltage and current feedback signals are routed back to the controller 3082 through an analog multiplexer 3280 and a dual analog-to-digital converter 3278 (A / D). In one aspect, the dual A / D 3278 has a sampling rate of 80 MSPS. Also coupled to the controller 3082 through the advanced energy receiver 3100 are an isolated DC / DC converter port 3096, which receives DC power from the power bus 3006, and a medium bandwidth data port 3098.

[0134] In one aspect, the energy module 3270 can include, among other things, multiple wideband RF power amplifiers 3108, 3286, 3288. In one aspect, each of the wideband RF power amplifiers 3108, 3286, 3288 is a linear class H amplifier capable of generating arbitrary waveforms and driving RF loads at a range of output frequencies. Each of the wideband RF power amplifiers 3108, 3286, 3288 is supplied by an adjustable buck regulator 3107 to maximize efficiency and is controlled by a controller 3082, which may be implemented as a DSP via a DDS. The DDS may be embedded in the DSP or implemented in an FPGA, for example. The controller 3082 controls the first wideband RF power amplifier 3108 via a DAC 3122.

[0135] 16 and 17, the energy module 3270 does not include an RF selection relay configured to receive the RF output signal from the adjustable step-down regulator 3107. Additionally, unlike the energy modules 3004, 3012 shown and described in FIGS. 16 and 17, the energy module 3270 includes multiple wideband RF power amplifiers 3108, 3286, 3288 instead of a single RF power amplifier. In one aspect, the adjustable step-down regulator 3107 can be switched between multiple states in which it outputs the output RF signal to one of the multiple wideband RF power amplifiers 3108, 3286, 3288 connected thereto. The controller 3082 is configured to switch the adjustable step-down regulator 3107 between multiple states. In a first state, the controller drives the adjustable step-down regulator 3107 to output the RF energy signal to the first wideband RF power amplifier 3108. In a second state, the controller drives the adjustable step-down regulator 3107 to output the RF energy signal to the second wideband RF power amplifier 3286. In a third state, the controller drives the adjustable step-down regulator 3107 to output the RF energy signal to the third wideband RF power amplifier 3288.

[0136] The output of the first wideband RF power amplifier 3108 can be provided to an RF power transformer 3090 coupled to the RF output section of the advanced energy receiving section 3100. RF voltage (V) and current (I) feedback (FB) signals, which can be used to calculate RF impedance, are fed back to the controller 3082 through the input section of the advanced energy receiving section 3100 via an RF VI FB transformer 3094. The RF voltage and current feedback signals are routed to the controller 3082 through the RF VI FB transformer 3094, which is coupled to a dual A / D 3282, which is coupled to an analog multiplexer 3284 and the controller 3082. In one aspect, the dual A / D 3282 has a sampling rate of 80 MSPS.

[0137] The output of the second RF wideband power amplifier 3286 is fed through an RF power transformer 3128 of the RF monopolar receiver 3136. Unipolar RF voltage (V) and current (I) feedback (FB) signals, which may be used to calculate RF impedance, are fed back to the controller 3082 through the input of the monopolar RF energy receiver 3136 via an RF VI FB transformer 3130. The RF voltage and current feedback signals are routed back to the controller 3082 through an analog multiplexer 3284 and a dual A / D 3282. Also coupled to the controller 3082 through the monopolar RF energy receiver 3136 are an isolated DC / DC converter port 3132, which receives DC power from the power bus 3006, and a low-bandwidth data port 3134.

[0138] The output of the third RF wideband power amplifier 3288 is fed through an RF power transformer 3110 of the bipolar RF receiver 3118. Bipolar RF voltage (V) and current (I) feedback (FB) signals, which may be used to calculate RF impedance, are fed back to the controller 3082 through the input of the bipolar RF energy receiver 3118 via an RF VI FB transformer 3114. The RF voltage and current feedback signals are routed back to the controller 3082 through an analog multiplexer 3280 and a dual A / D 3278. Also coupled to the controller 3082 through the bipolar RF energy receiver 3118 are an isolated DC / DC converter port 3112, which receives DC power from the power bus 3006, and a low bandwidth data port 3116.

[0139] Contact monitor 3290 is coupled to NE receptor 3292. Power is supplied to NE receptor 3292 from monopolar receptor 3136.

[0140] 13-19, the modular energy system 3000 can be configured to detect the presence of an appliance in the receptacle 3100, 3118, 3136 via a photointerrupter, magnetic sensor, or other non-contact sensor integrated into the receptacle 3100, 3118, 3136. This approach avoids the need to allocate a dedicated presence pin on the MTD connector to a single purpose, instead allowing multi-purpose functionality for the MTD signal pins 6-9 while continuously monitoring the presence of an appliance.

[0141] 13-19, the modules of the modular energy system 3000 can include an optical link that allows high-speed communication (10-50 Mb / s) across the patient isolation boundary. This connection carries device communications, mitigation signals (such as watchdogs), and low-bandwidth runtime data. In some embodiments, the optical connection(s) do not include real-time sampling data that can be performed on the non-isolated side.

[0142] 13-19, a module of the modular energy system 3000 can include a multi-function circuit block that can (i) read presence resistance via an A / D and current source, (ii) communicate with legacy instruments via the Hand Switch Q protocol, (iii) communicate with instruments via the local bus 1-Wire protocol, and (iv) communicate with CAN FD enabled surgical instruments. Once a surgical instrument is properly identified by the energy generator module, the associated pin functions and communication circuitry are enabled, while other unused functions are disabled or disconnected and set to a high impedance state.

[0143] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 13-19, a module of the modular energy system 3000 can include a pulse / stim / aux amplifier. This is a flexible amplifier based on a full-bridge output and incorporates functional isolation, allowing its differential output to be referenced to any output connection on the applied part (except, in some embodiments, a unipolar active electrode). The amplifier output can be either small signal linear (pulse / stim) with waveform drive provided by a DAC or square wave drive, with moderate output power for DC applications such as DC motors, lighting, and FET drives. The output voltage and current are sensed with functionally isolated voltage and current feedback to provide accurate impedance and power measurements to an FPGA. Paired with a CAN FD-enabled instrument, this output can provide motor / motion control drive, while position or velocity feedback is provided by the CAN FD interface for closed-loop control.

[0144] As described in more detail herein, the modular energy system includes a header module and one or more functional or surgical modules. In various examples, the modular energy system is a modular energy system. In various examples, the surgical module includes an energy module, a communications module, and a user interface module, although it is contemplated that the surgical module may be any suitable type of functional or surgical module for use with the modular energy system.

[0145] Modular energy systems, as described above in connection with modular energy systems 2000 (FIGS. 6-12) and 3000 (FIGS. 13-15), offer many advantages in surgical procedures. However, cable management and setup / teardown time can be a significant deterrent. Various aspects of the present disclosure provide a modular energy system with a single power cable and a single current switch to control startup and shutdown of the entire modular energy system, thereby eliminating the need to individually start and stop each individual module from which the modular energy system is constructed. Additionally, various aspects of the present disclosure provide a modular energy system with a power management scheme that promotes safety and, in some cases, simultaneous delivery of power to the modules of the modular energy system.

[0146] In various aspects, as shown in Figure 20, modular energy system 6000 is similar in many respects to modular energy systems 2000 (Figures 6-12), 3000 (Figures 13-15). For the sake of brevity, various details of modular energy system 6000 that are similar to modular energy system 2000 and / or modular energy system 3000 will not be repeated herein.

[0147] The modular energy system 6000 includes a header module 6002 and "N" surgical modules 6004, where "N" is an integer greater than or equal to 1. In various embodiments, the modular energy system 6000 includes a UI module, such as UI module 3030, and / or a communications module, such as communications module 3032. Additionally, pass-through hub connectors couple the individual modules to one another in a stacked configuration. In the embodiment of FIG. 20, the header module 6002 is coupled to the surgical module 6004 via pass-through hub connectors 6005, 6006.

[0148] The modular energy system 6000 comprises an exemplary power architecture consisting of a single AC / DC power supply 6003 that provides power to all of the surgical modules in the stack. The AC / DC power supply 6003 is housed in a header module 6002 and utilizes a power backplane 6008 to distribute power to each module in the stack. The example of Figure 20 shows three separate power domains on the power backplane 6008: a primary power domain 6009, a standby power domain 6010, and an Ethernet switch power domain 6013.

[0149] 20 , the power backplane 6008 extends from the header module 6002 through multiple middle modules 6004 to the bottom or furthest module in the stack. In various aspects, the power backplane 6008 is configured to deliver power to the surgical module 6004 through one or more other surgical modules 6004 that precede it in the stack. The surgical module 6004 that receives power from the header module 6002 can be coupled to a surgical instrument or tool configured to deliver therapeutic energy to a patient.

[0150] The primary power domain 6009 is the primary power source for the functional module specific circuits 6013, 6014, 6015 of modules 6002, 6004. It consists of a single voltage rail provided to all modules. In at least one embodiment, the 60V nominal voltage can be selected to be higher than the local rails required by any module, so that the modules can exclusively implement step-down regulation, which is generally more efficient than step-up regulation.

[0151] In various aspects, the primary power domain 6009 is controlled by the header module 6002. In particular examples, a local power switch 6018 is located on the header module 6002, as shown in FIG. 20 . In particular examples, the remote on / off interface 6016 can be configured to control, for example, a system power control 6017 on the header module 6002. In at least one embodiment, the remote on / off interface 6016 is configured to transmit pulsed individual commands (separate commands for on and off) and power status telemetry signals. In various examples, the primary power domain 6009 is configured to distribute power to all modules in a stacked configuration after a user-initiated power-on.

[0152] In various aspects, as shown in FIG. 21 , modules of the modular energy system 6000 can be communicatively coupled to the header module 6002 and / or each other via a communication (serial bus / Ethernet) interface 6040, such that data or other information is shared by and among the modules that make up the modular energy system. The Ethernet switch domain 6013 can be derived, for example, from the primary power domain 6009. The Ethernet switch power domain 6013 is separated into separate power domains configured to provide power to the Ethernet switches within each of the modules in the stacked configuration, such that the primary communication interface 6040 remains live when local power to the module is removed. In at least one embodiment, the primary communication interface 6040 comprises a 1000BASE-T Ethernet network, with each module representing a node on the network, and each module downstream of the header module 6002 including a three-port Ethernet switch for routing traffic to the local module or for passing data upstream or downstream as appropriate.

[0153] Additionally, in certain embodiments, the modular energy system 6000 includes a secondary, low-speed, communication interface between modules for critical power-related functions, including module power sequencing and module power status. The secondary communication interface may be, for example, a multi-drop Local Interconnect Network (LIN) where the header module is the master and all downstream modules are slaves.

[0154] 20, the standby power domain 6010 is a separate output from the AC / DC power supply 6003 that is always running when the source is connected to mains power 6020. The standby power domain 6010 is used by all modules in the system to power the circuitry for relaxed communication interfaces and to control the local power to each module. Additionally, the standby power domain 6010 is configured to provide power to circuitry that is important in standby mode, such as on / off command detection, status LEDs, a secondary communication bus, etc.

[0155] 20 , the individual surgical modules 6004 lack an independent power source and therefore rely on the header module 6002 to provide power in a stacked configuration. Only the header module 6002 is directly connected to the mains power 6020. The surgical modules 6004 lack a direct connection to the mains power 6020 and can only receive power in a stacked configuration. This arrangement improves the safety of the individual surgical modules 6004 and reduces the overall footprint of the modular energy system 6000. This arrangement further reduces the number of cords required for proper operation of the modular energy system 6000, which can reduce clutter and footprint in the operating room.

[0156] Thus, in a stacked configuration, a surgical instrument connected to a surgical module 6004 of the modular energy system 6000 receives energy for tissue treatment generated by the surgical module 6004 from power delivered to the surgical module 6004 from the AC / DC power supply 6003 of the header module 6002.

[0157] In at least one embodiment, while the header module 6002 is assembled with the first surgical module 6004' in a stacked configuration, energy can flow from the AC / DC power supply 6003 to the first surgical module 6004'. Furthermore, while the header module 6002 is assembled with the first surgical module 6004' (connected to the header module 6002) and the second surgical module 6004" (connected to the first surgical module 6004') in a stacked configuration, energy can flow from the AC / DC power supply 6003 through the first surgical module 6004' to the second surgical module 6004".

[0158] Energy generated by the AC / DC power supply 6003 of the header module 6002 is transmitted through a segmented power backplane 6008 defined through the modular energy system 6000. In the example of FIG. 20 , the header module 6002 houses a power backplane segment 6008′, the first surgical module 6004′ houses a power backplane segment 6008″, and the second surgical module 6004″ houses a power backplane segment 6008′′. The power backplane segment 6008′ is removably coupled to the power backplane segment 6008″ in the stacked configuration. Furthermore, the power backplane 6008″ is removably coupled to the power backplane segment 6008′′ in the stacked configuration. Thus, energy flows from the AC / DC power supply 6003 to the power backplane segment 6008′, then to the power backplane segment 6008″, then to the power backplane segment 6008′″.

[0159] In the example of FIG. 20 , the power backplane segment 6008′ is removably connected to the power backplane segment 6008″ via pass-through hub connectors 6005, 6006 in a stacked configuration. Additionally, the power backplane segment 6008″ is removably connected to the power backplane segment 6008′″ via pass-through hub connectors 6025, 6056 in a stacked configuration. In certain examples, removing a surgical module from the stacked configuration disconnects its connection to the power source 6003. For example, separating the second surgical module 6004″ from the first surgical module 6004′ disconnects the power backplane segment 6008″ from the power backplane segment 6008′″. However, as long as the header module 6002 and the first surgical module 6004′ remain in the stacked configuration, the connection between the power backplane segment 6008″ and the power backplane segment 6008′″ remains intact. Thus, energy can still flow to the first surgical module 6004' through the connection between the header module 6002 and the first surgical module 6004' after disconnecting the second surgical module 6004". Separating the connected modules can, in certain instances, be accomplished by simply pulling the surgical modules 6004 apart.

[0160] 20, each of the modules 6002, 6004 includes a relaxed module controller 6023. The relaxed module controller 6023 is coupled to a corresponding local power adjustment module 6024 configured to adjust power based on input from the relaxed module controller 6023. In certain aspects, the relaxed module controller 6023 enables the header module 6002 to independently control the local power adjustment module 6024.

[0161] The modular energy system 6000 further includes a relaxed communication interface 6021 including a segmented communication backplane 6027 extending between the relaxed module controls 6023. The segmented communication backplane 6027 is similar in many respects to the segmented power backplane 6008. Relaxed communication between the relaxed module controls 6023 of the header module 6002 and the surgical module 6004 can be achieved through the segmented communication backplane 6027 defined through the modular energy system 6000. In the example of FIG. 20 , the header module 6002 houses a communication backplane segment 6027′, the first surgical module 6004′ houses a communication backplane segment 6027″, and the second surgical module 6004″ houses a communication backplane segment 6027′′. The communications backplane segment 6027' is removably coupled to the communications backplane segment 6027'' in the stacked configuration via pass-through hub connectors 6005, 6006. Further, the communications backplane 6027'' is removably coupled to the communications backplane segment 6027'' in the stacked configuration via pass-through hub connectors 6025, 6026.

[0162] The example of FIG. 20 illustrates, but is not limited to, a modular energy system 6000 including a header module 6002 and two surgical modules 6004′, 6004″. Modular energy systems having more or fewer surgical modules are contemplated by the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the modular energy system 6000 includes other modules, such as, for example, a communications module 3032 ( FIG. 15 ). In some embodiments, the header module 6502 supports a display screen, such as, for example, display 2006 ( FIG. 7A ), that renders a GUI, such as, for example, GUI 2008, to relay information about the modules connected to the header module 6002. As described in more detail in connection with the example of FIG. 15 , in some embodiments, the GUI 2008 of the display screen 2006 can provide a centralized point of control for all of the modules that make up a particular configuration of the modular energy system.

[0163] FIG. 21 shows a simplified schematic diagram of the modular energy system 6000 illustrating a primary communication interface 6040 between the header module 6002 and the surgical module 6004. The primary communication interface 6040 communicatively connects the module processors 6041, 6041′, 6041″ of the header module 6002 to the surgical module 6004. Commands generated by the module processor 6041 of the header module are transmitted to the desired functional surgical module downstream via the primary communication interface 6040. In certain examples, the primary communication interface 6040 is configured to establish a bidirectional communication path between adjacent modules. In other examples, the primary communication interface 6040 is configured to establish a unidirectional communication path between adjacent modules.

[0164] Additionally, the primary communication interface 6040 includes a segmented communication backplane 6031 that is similar in many respects to the segmented power backplane 6008. Communication between the header module 6002 and the surgical modules 6004 may be achieved via the segmented communication backplane 6031 defined through the modular energy system 6000. In the example of FIG. 21 , the header module 6002 houses a communication backplane segment 6031′, the first surgical module 6004′ houses a communication backplane segment 6031″, and the second surgical module 6004″ houses a communication backplane segment 6031′″. The communication backplane segment 6031′ is removably coupled to the communication backplane segment 6031″ in the stacked configuration via pass-through hub connectors 6005, 6006. Additionally, the communications backplane 6031'' is removably coupled to the communications backplane segments 6031'' in the stacked configuration via pass-through hub connectors 6025, 6026.

[0165] In at least one embodiment, the primary communication interface 6040 is implemented using the DDS framework running on a Gigabit Ethernet interface, as shown in Figure 21. The module processors 6041, 6041', 6041" are connected to Gigabit Ethernet Phys 6044 and Gigabit Ethernet switches 6042', 6042". In the embodiment of Figure 21, a segmented communication backplane 6031 connects the Gigabit Ethernet Phys 6044 and Gigabit Ethernet switches 6042 of adjacent modules.

[0166] 21, the header module 6002 includes a separate Gigabit Ethernet Phy 6045 for the processor module 6041 of the header module 6002 and an external communication interface 6043. In at least one embodiment, the processor module 6041 of the header module 6002 handles firewall and information routing.

[0167] 20 , the AC / DC power supply 6003 may provide an AC status signal 6011 indicating loss of AC power supplied by the AC / DC power supply 6003. The AC status signal 6011 is provided to all modules of the modular energy system 6000 via the segmented power backplane 6008 to allow each module as much time as possible for graceful shutdown before primary output power is lost. The AC status signal 6011 may be received, for example, by module specific circuits 6013, 6014, 6015. In various embodiments, the system power controller 6017 may be configured to detect AC power loss. In at least one embodiment, AC power loss is detected via one or more suitable sensors.

[0168] 20 and 21 , to ensure that a local power failure of one of the modules of the modular energy system 6000 does not disable the entire power bus, the primary power input to all modules can be fused or similar current limiting methods (electronic fuses, circuit breakers, etc.) can be used. Additionally, the Ethernet switch power is segregated into separate power domains 6013 so that the primary communication interface 6040 remains operational when local power to a module is removed. In other words, primary power can be removed and / or shunted from a surgical module without losing its ability to communicate with other surgical modules 6004 and / or header modules 6002.

[0169] Relaxed interface for energy footswitch actuation Having described general implementations of the headers and modules of modular energy systems 2000, 3000, and 6000, the present disclosure next describes various aspects of other modular energy systems. The other modular energy systems are substantially similar to modular energy system 2000, modular energy system 3000, and / or modular energy system 6000. For the sake of brevity, various details of the other modular energy systems described in the following sections that are similar to modular energy system 2000, modular energy system 3000, and / or modular energy system 6000 will not be repeated herein. Any of the aspects of the other modular energy systems described below may be incorporated into modular energy system 2000, modular energy system 3000, or modular energy system 6000.

[0170] Generally, throughout this disclosure, coupled refers to a wireless or wired connection between two components. For purposes of illustration and not limitation, the accessory described in this context is a footswitch used to activate energy to an electrosurgical / ultrasonic instrument. As used herein, an electrosurgical / ultrasonic instrument comprises any one of an electrosurgical instrument, either monopolar or bipolar, an ultrasonic instrument, or an instrument using a combination of electrosurgical and ultrasonic energy, connected to an energy module 2004, 3004, 6004 of the modular energy system 2000, 3000, 6000. Thus, in one aspect, the accessory may comprise one or more footswitches configured to activate the electrosurgical / ultrasonic instrument by communicating the switch state to the modular energy module 2000, 3000, 6000. In one aspect, a mitigated interface detects the state of each coupled footswitch or other accessory, and the type of footswitch or other accessory, coupled to the modular energy system 2000, 3000, 6000. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a robust wireless mesh communication network to improve the reliability of wireless communication between accessories and modular energy systems 2000, 3000, 6000 in an operating room (OR) environment.

[0171] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a modular energy system 2000, 3000, 6004 comprising a header module 2002, 3002, 6002 and at least one energy module 2004, 3004, 6004 having support for multiple footswitches and footswitch types for controlling the operation of an electrosurgical / ultrasonic instrument connected to the energy module 2004, 3004, 6004. In one aspect, to accommodate support for multiple footswitches and footswitch types, an isolation interface is disposed between a host controller in the header module 2002, 3002, 6002 and a footswitch port through which the footswitch is coupled to the header module 2002, 3002, 6002. The isolation interface detects the state of the connected footswitch as well as the type of footswitch connected. The isolation interface includes isolation circuitry that is typically physically large and expensive. Therefore, it is desirable to minimize the number of discrete signals crossing the isolation boundary to minimize the number of isolation circuits required in a given application. It is also desirable to provide mitigation techniques at the isolation interface to minimize the probability that an energy device, such as an electrosurgical / ultrasonic instrument, will receive erroneous uncommanded activation signals from the accessory.

[0172] 22 is a schematic diagram of an isolation switch interface circuit 4400 for supporting and mitigating footswitch actuation for multiple footswitches and footswitch types, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The isolation switch interface circuit 4400 includes a footswitch 4401 coupled to a footswitch connector 4402. In one embodiment, the footswitch 4401 includes a minimum (MIN) switch 4404 and a maximum (MAX) switch 4406 output. For example, a footswitch identification circuit including a resistor "R id" is used to identify the type of footswitch 4401 coupled to the footswitch connector 4402. While this embodiment is directed to a footswitch, it will be understood that the isolation switch interface circuit 4400 may be adapted for any switch used to control activation or deactivation of a surgical instrument coupled to the energy module 2004 of the modular energy system 2000.

[0173] The MIN switch 4404 is coupled through a footswitch connector 4402 to a first footswitch detection circuit comprising a first comparator 4408. The MAX switch 4406 is coupled through the footswitch connector 4402 to a second comparator 4410. A reference voltage Vref Comp is applied to each of the first and second comparators 4408, 4410. Voltage signals generated by opening and closing the MIN and MAX switches 4404, 4406 are compared to the reference voltage Vref Comp at the respective inputs of the first and second comparators 4408, 4410. The outputs of the first comparator 4408, FSW1 MIN A, and the second comparator 4410, FSW1 MAX A, are applied to an input / output (I / O) expander circuit 4416. The FSW1 RES voltage signal is used to identify the type of footswitch 4401 coupled to the footswitch connector 4402 and is applied to the input of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuit 4418.

[0174] The MIN switch 4404 is also coupled through the footswitch connector 4402 to a replica footswitch detection circuit comprising a third comparator 4412. The MAX switch 4406 is also coupled through the footswitch connector 4402 to a replica footswitch detection circuit comprising a fourth comparator 4414. A reference voltage Vref Comp is applied to each of the third and fourth comparators 4412, 4414. Voltage signals generated by opening and closing the MIN and MAX switches 4404, 4406 are compared to the reference voltage Vref Comp at the respective inputs of the third and fourth comparators 4412, 4414. The outputs FSW1 MIN B and FSW1 MAX B of the first comparator 4412 are applied to an I / O expander circuit 4416. The replica footswitch detection circuit moderates energy footswitch actuation to a surgical instrument coupled to the energy module 2004, 3004, 6004. It will be appreciated that the replicated footswitch detection circuit mitigates potential bottlenecks in the detection circuit.

[0175] The output of the I / O expander circuit 4416 is connected to the digital isolator circuit 4422 and the primary controller 4426 via a serial peripheral interface (SPI), e.g., a single digital serial communications bus. The primary controller 4426 includes a processor. The primary controller 4426 compares the outputs of the first and second footswitch detection circuits and, based on the results of the comparison, activates or deactivates energy to the surgical instrument coupled to the energy module 2004. For example, the primary controller 4426 will activate or deactivate if the outputs of the first and second footswitch detection circuits match. If there is a mismatch between the outputs of the first and second footswitch detection circuits, the primary controller 4426 deactivates energy to the surgical instrument. If the first and second footswitch detection circuits include a single comparator 4408 and a replica comparator 4412, respectively, the primary controller 4426 compares the outputs of the single comparator 4408 and the replica comparator 4412.

[0176] If the first and second footswitch detection circuits include multiple comparators, such as first and second comparators 4408, 4410 and first and second replica comparators 4412, 4414, respectively, the primary controller 4426 compares the output of the first comparator 4408 with the first replica comparator 4412 and the output of the second comparator 4410 with the second replica comparator 4414. This process may be scaled up to a given number of footswitches and a corresponding number of comparators and replica comparators. In this manner, the primary controller 4426 can mitigate the risk of any given footswitch signal by comparing the output of the primary comparator with the corresponding replica comparator.

[0177] 22, the digital isolator circuit 4422 defines an isolation boundary between the primary controller 4426 and the isolation switch interface circuit 4400. The isolated power supply 4424 provides power to the local power supply 4420 of the isolation switch interface circuit 4400.

[0178] 22 , additional footswitches FSW2, FSW3, FSW4, etc. can be added to the isolation switch interface circuit 4400. These additional footswitches FSW2, FSW3, FSW4, etc. are coupled to the I / O expander circuit 4416 and the primary controller 4426 via the SPI bus through a digital isolator circuit 4422. The ID resistance values ​​FSW2 RES, FSW3 RES, FSW4 RES, etc. identify the type of footswitch FSW2, FSW3, FSW4, etc. In one aspect, the ID resistance values ​​FSW1 RES, FSW2 RES, FSW3 RES, FSW4 RES are applied to the ADC circuit 4418 in the form of a voltage. In other implementations, a current or other parameter may be applied to the ADC circuit 4418 to identify the type of footswitch. The ADC circuit 4418 is coupled to the primary controller 4426 via the SPI bus through a digital isolator circuit 4422. The signal Vref_Comp is provided as an input to the ADC circuit 4418. The Vref_Comp signal is provided to the input of the ADC circuit 4418 so that the primary controller 4426 can perform a self-test of the comparator reference voltage Vref_Comp.

[0179] The disclosed I / O expander circuit 4416 and ADC circuit 4418 are connected over a single SPI bus. The ADC circuit 4418 monitors the resistor value FSW1 RES built into each attached footswitch 4401 to detect the unique footswitch type. The I / O expander circuit 4416 monitors the MIN and MAX states of each footswitch 4401. Using I / O expander circuits 4416 with twice the number of I / Os or more than required, the MIN and MAX footswitch states can be mitigated by duplicating the detection circuitry. Thus, the isolation switch interface circuit 4400 detects the switch state of each attached footswitch 4401 and the type of attached footswitch 4401. The isolation switch interface circuit 4400 minimizes the number of discrete signals crossing the isolation boundary, as isolation circuits are typically physically large and expensive. Additionally, the isolation switch interface circuit 4400 provides mitigation techniques on the interface to minimize the probability of the energy device experiencing uncommanded activation. Thus, using a single digital serial communications bus, SPI, to span the isolation boundary minimizes the number of signals required by the isolation switch interface circuit 4400. This technique minimizes the number of discrete signals crossing the isolation boundary, minimizes the isolation circuitry required in a given application, and simplifies implementation.

[0180] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of mitigating erroneous outputs from an isolation footswitch interface circuit 4400 for a modular energy system 2000. The method includes receiving, at a first input of a first comparator 4408, a state of a first switch 4404 of a first footswitch 4401 coupled to a first input of the first comparator 4408 and a reference voltage Vref Comp coupled to a second input of the first comparator 4408. The method includes receiving, at a first input of a first replica comparator 4412, a state of the first switch 4404 coupled to a first input of the first replica comparator 4412 and a reference voltage Vref Comp coupled to a second input of the first replica comparator 4412. The method includes comparing the output of the first comparator 4408 to the output of the first replica comparator 4412 by a controller 4426 coupled to the outputs of the first comparator 4408 and the first replica comparator 4412. The method includes determining, by the controller 4426, to activate or deactivate a surgical instrument coupled to the controller 4426 based on the comparison.

[0181] The method further includes receiving, by an analog-to-digital converter 4418 (ADC) coupled to a controller 4426, a first footswitch identification signal FSW1 RES, and identifying, by the controller 4426, the type of footswitch 4401 based on the first switch identification signal FSW1 RES. In another aspect, the method further includes the primary controller 4426 measuring a "Vref Comp" voltage and determining that the voltage at the ADC 4418 input is within its expected range by measuring it.

[0182] The method further includes receiving, at a first input of a second comparator 4410, a state of a second switch 4406 of the first foot switch 4401 coupled to a first input of the second comparator 4410 and a reference voltage Vref Comp coupled to a second input of the second comparator 4410. The method includes receiving, at a first input of a second replica comparator 4414, a state of the second switch 4406 coupled to a first input of the second replica comparator 4414 and a reference voltage Vref Comp coupled to a second input of the second replica comparator 4414. The method includes comparing the output of the second comparator 4410 with the output of the second replica comparator 4414 by a controller 4426 coupled to the outputs of the second comparator 4410 and the second replica comparator 4414.

[0183] The method further includes determining, by the controller 4426, based on the comparison, to activate or deactivate a surgical instrument coupled to the controller 4426. In one aspect, the method includes receiving, by the ADC 4418, the comparator reference voltage Vref Comp, and measuring, by the controller 4426, the comparator reference voltage Vref Comp applied to the ADC 4418. The method further includes determining, by the controller 4426, that the comparator reference voltage Vref Comp is within predetermined limits, enabling, by the controller 4426, activation of the surgical instrument if the comparator reference voltage Vref Comp is within the predetermined limits, and disabling, by the controller 4426, activation of the surgical instrument if the comparator reference voltage Vref Comp is not within the predetermined limits.

[0184] In other aspects, the mitigation method further includes measuring the voltage rails V and detecting an error if these voltages V are outside of expected ranges, thereby mitigating the circuit. In one aspect, the ADC 4418 may also receive at its inputs one or more of, for example, the power supplies V and V FSW and, for example, the reference voltage Vref Comp used by the detection circuit. In another aspect, the ADC 4418 may also receive at its inputs one or more of the power supplies V and V FSW and the reference voltage Vref Comp used by the detection circuit scaled by a scaling circuit. Thus, in various aspects, the method further includes receiving at inputs to the ADC 4418 one or more of the power supplies V and V FSW and the reference voltage Vref Comp used by the detection circuit, or one or more of the power supplies and reference voltages used by the detection circuit scaled by a scaling circuit. The method further includes comparing, by the controller 4426, the measurements of the power supplies V and V FSW and the reference voltage Vref Comp with expected ranges to determine proper operation of the voltage supply circuit.

[0185] Robust Wireless Accessory Communication Wireless communication can be potentially unreliable in an operating room (OR) environment due to various sources of electromagnetic or other interference. Many applications (such as footswitch actuation) require a robust method of wireless communication. The present disclosure provides circuits and associated methods for robust wireless accessory communication in an OR environment.

[0186] FIG. 23 illustrates an operating room (OR) 4500 having an accessory that communicates wirelessly with the modular energy system 2000, 3000, 6000. In the example shown in FIG. 23, the accessory is a wireless footswitch 4502 that communicates wirelessly with the modular energy system 2000, 3000, 6000. Interference 4506 in the OR 4500 can block the wireless signal 4504, affecting the reliability of the associated communications. For example, the wireless signal 4504 transmitted by the footswitch 4502 may not reach the modular energy system 2000, 3000, 6000 and activate or deactivate an electrosurgical / ultrasonic instrument used in the OR procedure. In other embodiments, the accessory may include multiple footswitches or other devices coupled to the modular energy system 2000, 3000, 6000.

[0187] FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of a wireless mesh network 4510 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a wireless mesh network (WMN) can be any communication network composed of wireless nodes organized in a mesh topology. A WMN can also be implemented in the form of a wireless ad-hoc network. Mesh refers to the rich interconnectivity among devices or nodes 1-11. A wireless mesh network may comprise mesh clients, mesh routers, and gateways. This differs from a typical point-to-point or "star" topology in that any "node" 1-11 on the mesh 4510 can communicate with one, many, or all other nodes 1-11 on the mesh 4510. In one embodiment, the wireless mesh network 4510 may be implemented as Bluetooth mesh, a relatively new wireless standard that supports communication in a WMN. Furthermore, nodes 1-11 can "forward" messages to other nodes 1-11 to enable long-range communication or redundant communication paths.

[0188] 25 is a block diagram of a modular energy system 2000, 3000, 6000 including multiple radios 4512, 4516 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Each radio 4512, 4516 is configured to transmit or receive a unique wireless signal 4514, 4518, respectively, communicated over a wireless mesh network 4510 (FIG. 24).

[0189] 26 is a diagram of a footswitch 4520 including multiple radios 4522, 4526, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Each radio 4522, 4526 is configured to transmit or receive a unique wireless signal 4524, 4528 that is communicated over the wireless mesh network 4510 (FIG. 24).

[0190] 23-26 , each accessory in the OR 4500, such as a footswitch 4520, may include multiple radios 4522, 4526 that transmit or receive wireless signals 4524, 4528 to communicate with the modular energy systems 2000, 3000, 6000 via the wireless mesh network 4510. Each footswitch 4520 radio 4522, 4526 determines the state of the footswitch 4520. Each modular energy system 2000, 3000, 6000 radio 4512, 4516 and the footswitch 4520 radio 4522, 4526 define one or more nodes 1-11 defined by the wireless mesh network 4510. Thus, if a radio 4512 fails, the other radios 4516, 4522, 4526 remain operational within the wireless mesh network 4510. It will be appreciated that the modular energy systems 2000, 3000, 6000 and the foot switch 4520 may comprise a single radio, which would still provide benefits to the wireless mesh network 4510 topology to overcome interference 4506 within the OR 4500.

[0191] FIG. 27 illustrates an OR 4500 equipped with an accessory that communicates wirelessly to a modular energy system 2000, 3000, 6000 via a wireless mesh network 4510 implemented by multiple radios 4512, 4516, 4522, 4526, in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example illustrated in FIG. 27, the accessory is a wireless foot switch 4502 that communicates wirelessly with the modular energy system 2000, 3000, 6000. For example, a wireless mesh network 4510 (e.g., Bluetooth mesh) including multiple nodes 1-11 is implemented in the modular energy system 2000, 3000, 6000 and the foot switch 4530 accessory with, among other things, multiple radios 4512, 4516, 4522, 4526. The wireless mesh network 4510 topology facilitates the implementation of redundant wireless communication paths 4530, 4532, 4534, 4536 to form a robust wireless accessory communication network. Thus, if wireless communication path 4530 fails, there are three other wireless communication paths 4532, 4534, 4536 that are still available for reliable communication.

[0192] 25-27, the wireless footswitch 4520 includes two wireless radios 4524, 4526 that define two mesh nodes, e.g., Bluetooth mesh nodes, each independently reading the state of the footswitch 4520. This provides full redundancy at the level of the footswitch 4520. Additionally, the modular energy system 2000, 3000, 6000 includes two wireless radios 4512, 4516 that define two mesh nodes, e.g., Bluetooth mesh nodes, creating redundancy at the level of the modular energy system 2000, 3000, 6000 as well. The radios 4512, 4516, 4522, 4526 (e.g., nodes) create redundant wireless communication paths 4530, 4532, 4534, 4536 between the footswitch 4520 and the modular energy system 2000, 3000, 6000.

[0193] 28 is an operating room 4500 (OR) configured with additional "repeater" nodes optionally placed around the OR environment to provide a robust wireless mesh network 4510 in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. In the example shown in FIG. 28, the footswitch 4520 includes a single radio 4522 that transmits and receives wireless signals 4525 and defines a wireless node within the wireless mesh network 4510. The modular energy system 2000, 3000, 6000 also includes a single radio 4512 that transmits and receives wireless signals 4514 and defines another wireless node within the wireless mesh network 4510. Additional nodes may be located within the OR 4550, e.g., under a table, in the ceiling, etc., to add redundancy and improve robustness to the wireless mesh network 4510 within the OR 4500. These additional nodes 4540, 4544, 4548 can receive and transmit wireless signals 4542, 4546, 4550, respectively, via redundant wireless communication paths 4552, 4554, 4556, 4558, 4560, 4562, 4564, 4566, 4568, 4570 to forward messages to other nodes and create redundant nodes in the wireless mesh network 4510 between the foot switch 4520 and the modular energy system 2000, 3000, 6000. The redundant wireless communication paths 4552-4570 result in a redundant wireless mesh network 4510 that is robust against single (or multiple) failure conditions.

[0194] The wireless mesh network 4510 shown in Figure 28 increases the maximum distance between the footswitch 4520 and the modular energy system 2000 and increases redundancy in the communication paths 4552, 4554, 4556, 4558, 4560, 4562, 4564, 4566, 4568, 4570. While the example shown in Figure 28 shows only one active radio 4522 in the footswitch 4520 and one active radio 4512 in the modular energy system 2000, 3000, 6000, this can be expanded to multiple radios per footswitch 4520 and modular energy system 2000, 3000, 6000.

[0195] 29 illustrates the OR 4500 shown in FIG. 28 with interference 4506 blocking some of the communication paths 4556, 4566, 4568 and communications routed to other nodes in the wireless mesh network 4510, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Despite this interference 4506, communications can occur by bypassing the interference 4506 along other functional communication paths 4552, 4554, 4558, 4560, 4562, 4564, 4570, for example.

[0196] The wireless mesh network 4510 described with reference to FIG. 24-J8 may be expandable to many accessories, such as foot switches 4520, with each additional accessory having a radio that acts as a node to enhance the network. The wireless mesh network 4510 provides a robust wireless communication system that is resistant to external interference and long distances. In other aspects, Bluetooth radio modules, which may be employed to implement a wireless mesh network, are advantageous due to their relatively low cost and ease of installation. Furthermore, the wireless mesh network 4510 provides security to support public / private key authentication and encryption, permission levels in the network, nodes, and application levels, and may be used in low-power (battery-powered) situations. [Example]

[0197] Various aspects of the subject matter described herein are illustrated in the following numbered examples.

[0198] Example 1. An isolation interface circuit for a modular energy system, the isolation interface circuit comprising: a comparator including a first input configured to couple to a switch, a second input configured to couple to a reference voltage, and an output; a replica comparator including a first input configured to couple to the switch, a second input configured to couple to the reference voltage, and an output; an expander circuit including at least two inputs, an output of the comparator coupled to one of the at least two inputs of the expander circuit and an output of the replica comparator coupled to the other of the at least two inputs of the expander circuit, the expander circuit including an output; an isolator circuit including an input and an output, the input coupled to the output of the expander circuit; and a controller coupled to the output of the isolator circuit, the controller configured to compare the output of the comparator with the output of the replica comparator and to determine, based on the comparison, to activate or deactivate a surgical instrument coupled to the controller.

[0199] Example 2. The isolated switch interface circuit of example 1, comprising: an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the controller through the isolator circuit; and a switch identification circuit coupled to the ADC, the switch identification circuit configured to identify a type of switch coupled to the comparator and replica comparator.

[0200] Example 3. The isolation interface circuit of any one or more of Examples 1 and 2, wherein the isolator circuit comprises a digital isolator circuit.

[0201] Example 4. The isolation interface circuit of any one or more of Examples 1-3, wherein the comparator and the replica comparator are configured to couple to a plurality of switches, the comparator comprises a plurality of comparators configured to couple to each of the plurality of switches, the replica comparator comprises a plurality of comparators configured to couple to each of the plurality of switches, and the controller is configured to compare an output of each of the plurality of comparators to a corresponding output of each of the replica comparators.

[0202] Example 5. The isolation interface circuit of any one or more of Examples 1-4, wherein the comparator and replica comparator are configured to couple to a footswitch.

[0203] Example 6. The isolation interface circuit of any one or more of Examples 1-5, wherein the output of the isolator circuit is a digital serial communication bus.

[0204] Example 7. An isolation interface circuit for a modular energy system, comprising: a first comparator including a first input configured to couple to a first switch, a second input configured to couple to a reference voltage, and an output; a second comparator including a first input configured to couple to a second switch, the second input configured to couple to the reference voltage, and an output; a first replica comparator including a first input configured to couple to the first switch, the second input configured to couple to the reference voltage, and an output; a second replica comparator including a first input configured to couple to the second switch, the second input configured to couple to the reference voltage, and an output; and at least four inputs. an expander circuit including: an expander circuit, wherein outputs of the first and second comparators are each coupled to an input of the expander circuit, and outputs of the first and second replica comparators are each coupled to an input of the expander circuit, the expander circuit including an output; an isolator circuit including an input and an output, the input coupled to the output of the expander circuit; and a controller coupled to the output of the isolator circuit, the controller configured to compare the output of the first comparator with the output of the first replica comparator and to compare the output of the second comparator with the output of the second replica comparator, and to determine, based on the comparison, to activate or deactivate a surgical instrument coupled to the controller.

[0205] Example 8. The isolation interface circuit of example 7, comprising: an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the controller through the isolator circuit; and a switch identification circuit coupled to the ADC, the switch identification circuit configured to identify a type of switch.

[0206] Example 9. The isolation interface circuit of any one or more of Examples 7 and 8, comprising any one of a comparator reference voltage, a supply voltage, or a switch voltage applied to the ADC, or any combination thereof.

[0207] Example 10. The isolation interface circuit of any one or more of Examples 7-9, wherein the isolator circuit comprises a digital isolator circuit.

[0208] Example 11. The isolation interface circuit of any one or more of Examples 7-10, wherein the first and second comparators and the first and second replica comparators are configured to couple to a footswitch.

[0209] Example 12. The isolation interface circuit of example 11, wherein the footswitch comprises a first and a second switch, the first switch representing a first state of the footswitch, and the second switch representing a second state of the footswitch.

[0210] Example 13. The isolation interface circuit of any one or more of Examples 11 and 12, wherein the footswitch comprises a plurality of footswitches, each of the plurality of footswitches comprising a footswitch identification circuit coupled to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the controller through an isolator circuit, each of the footswitch identification circuits configured to identify a type of footswitch.

[0211] Example 14. The isolation interface circuit of any one or more of Examples 7-13, wherein the output of the isolator circuit is a single digital serial communication bus.

[0212] Example 15. A method for mitigating erroneous outputs from an isolation interface circuit for a modular energy system, comprising: receiving, at a first input of a first comparator, a state of a first switch of a first foot switch coupled to a first input of the first comparator and a reference voltage coupled to a second input of the first comparator; receiving, at a first input of a first replica comparator, a state of the first switch coupled to the first input of the first replica comparator and the reference voltage coupled to the second input of the first replica comparator; comparing, by a controller coupled to the first comparator and the output of the first replica comparator, the output of the first comparator with the output of the first replica comparator; and determining, by the controller, to activate or deactivate a surgical instrument coupled to the controller based on the comparison.

[0213] Example 16. The method of Example 15, comprising: receiving, by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the controller, a first footswitch identification signal; and identifying, by the controller, a type of the first footswitch based on the first footswitch identification signal.

[0214] Example 17. The method of Example 16, comprising the steps of receiving, by an ADC, any one of a comparator reference voltage, a supply voltage, or a switch voltage; measuring, by a controller, the comparator reference voltage, supply voltage, or switch voltage applied to the ADC; determining, by the controller, that the comparator reference voltage, supply voltage, or switch voltage is within predetermined limits; enabling, by the controller, operation of the surgical instrument if the comparator reference voltage, supply voltage, or switch voltage is within the predetermined limits; and disabling, by the controller, operation of the surgical instrument if the comparator reference voltage, supply voltage, or switch voltage is not within the predetermined limits.

[0215] Example 18. The method of any one or more of Examples 15-17, comprising the steps of: receiving, at a first input of a second comparator, a state of a second switch of the first foot switch coupled to the first input of the second comparator and a reference voltage coupled to the second input of the second comparator; receiving, at a first input of a second replica comparator, a state of the second switch coupled to the first input of the second replica comparator and the reference voltage coupled to the second input of the second replica comparator; comparing, by a controller coupled to the second comparator and the output of the second replica comparator, the output of the second comparator with the output of the second replica comparator; and determining, by the controller, based on the comparison, to activate or deactivate a surgical instrument coupled to the controller.

[0216] While several embodiments have been shown and described, it is not the applicant's intention to restrict or limit the scope of the appended claims to such details. Numerous modifications, variations, changes, substitutions, combinations, and equivalents of these embodiments may be implemented and will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the structure of each element associated with the described embodiments can alternatively be described as a means for providing the function performed by that element. Also, although materials are disclosed with respect to particular components, other materials may be used. It is therefore to be understood that the above description and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, combinations, and variations as fall within the scope of the disclosed embodiments. The appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, variations, changes, substitutions, modifications, and equivalents.

[0217] The above detailed description has set forth various aspects of devices and / or processes via the use of block diagrams, flow diagrams, and / or examples. To the extent that such block diagrams, flow diagrams, and / or examples include one or more functions and / or operations, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that each function and / or operation included in such block diagrams, flow diagrams, and / or examples can be individually and / or collectively implemented by a variety of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will understand that all or a portion of some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein can be equivalently implemented on an integrated circuit as one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or virtually any combination thereof, and that designing circuitry and / or writing software and / or firmware code is within the skill of those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the subject matter described herein may be distributed as one or more program products in a variety of forms, and that the particular form of the subject matter described herein applies regardless of the particular type of signal-bearing medium used to actually effect the distribution.

[0218] The instructions used to program the logic to implement various disclosed aspects may be stored in system memory, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), cache, flash memory, or other storage. Additionally, the instructions may be distributed over a network or by other computer-readable media. Thus, machine-readable media may include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer), including, but not limited to, floppy diskettes, optical disks, compact disks, read-only memories (CD-ROMs), magneto-optical disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), magnetic or optical cards, flash memories, or tangible machine-readable storage used for transmitting information via the Internet via electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.). Thus, non-transitory computer-readable media include any type of tangible machine-readable medium suitable for storing or transmitting electronic instructions or information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer).

[0219] As used in any aspect of the present specification, the term "control circuitry" may refer to, for example, hardwired circuitry, programmable circuitry (e.g., a computer processor including one or more individual instruction processing cores, a processing unit, a processor, a microcontroller, a microcontroller unit, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable logic device (PLD), a programmable logic array (PLA), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA)), a state machine circuit, firmware that stores instructions executed by the programmable circuitry, and any combination thereof. Control circuitry may be embodied collectively or individually as circuitry that forms part of a larger system, such as, for example, an integrated circuit (IC), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system on a chip (SoC), a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a server, a smartphone, etc. Thus, as used herein, "control circuitry" includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one application-specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming a general-purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g., a general-purpose computer configured by a computer program that at least partially executes the processes and / or apparatus described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program that at least partially executes the processes and / or apparatus described herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., a form of random access memory), and / or electrical circuitry forming a communications device (e.g., a modem, a communications switch, or an optical-to-electrical facility). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter described herein may be implemented in analog or digital form, or some combination thereof.

[0220] As used in any aspect of this specification, the term "logic" may refer to an application, software, firmware, and / or circuitry configured to perform any of the operations described above. Software may be embodied as a software package, code, instructions, instruction sets, and / or data recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Firmware may be embodied as code, instructions, or instruction sets in a memory device, and / or hard-coded (e.g., non-volatile) data.

[0221] When used in any aspect of this specification, the terms "component," "system," "module," etc. may refer to a computer-related entity that is either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution.

[0222] As used in any aspect of this specification, an "algorithm" refers to a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result, and the "steps" refer to manipulations of physical quantities and / or logical states, which may, but need not, take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It is common practice to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. These and similar terms may be associated with the appropriate physical quantities or are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities and / or states.

[0223] The network may include a packet-switched network. The communication devices may communicate with each other using a selected packet-switched network communication protocol. One exemplary communication protocol may include an Ethernet communication protocol, which may enable communication using Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP). The Ethernet protocol may conform to or be compatible with the Ethernet standard published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), entitled "IEEE 802.3 Standard," December 2008, and / or later versions of this standard. Alternatively or additionally, the communication devices may communicate with each other using the X.25 communication protocol. The X.25 communication protocol may conform to or be compatible with standards promulgated by the International Telecommunication Union-Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T). Alternatively or additionally, the communication devices may communicate with each other using a frame relay communication protocol. The frame relay communication protocol may conform to or be compatible with standards promulgated by the Consultative Committee for International Telegraph and Telephone (CCITT) and / or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Alternatively or additionally, the transceivers may be capable of communicating with each other using an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) communication protocol. The ATM communication protocol may conform to or be compatible with the ATM standard published in August 2001 by the ATM Forum entitled "ATM-MPLS Network Interworking 2.0" and / or later versions of this standard. Of course, different and / or later-developed connection-oriented network communication protocols are equally contemplated herein.

[0224] Unless expressly specified otherwise, as will be apparent from the foregoing disclosure, discussions throughout the foregoing disclosure using terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," "displaying," and the like will be understood to refer to the actions and processing of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities in the computer system's registers and memory into other data similarly represented as physical quantities in the computer system's memory or registers or other such information storage, transmission, or display device.

[0225] One or more components may be referred to herein as being "configured to," "configurable to," "operable / operative to," "adaptable," "capable to," "conformable / conformed to," etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that "configured to" may generally encompass active components and / or inactive components and / or standby components, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0226] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein with reference to a clinician manipulating the handle portion of a surgical instrument. The term "proximal" refers to the portion closest to the clinician, and the term "distal" refers to the portion located away from the clinician. It will be further understood that for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical," "horizontal," "up," and "down" may be used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and / or absolute.

[0227] Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms used herein generally, and in the appended claims in particular (e.g., the body of the appended claims), are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that where a specific number is intended in an introduced claim recitation, such intention will be clearly recited in the claim; and, in the absence of such recitation, no such intention exists. For example, as an aid to understanding, the appended claims below may include the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce the claim recitation. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as suggesting that when a claim is introduced by the indefinite article "a" or "an," any particular claim containing such introduced claim language is limited to claims containing only one such recitation, even if the same claim contains an introductory phrase such as "one or more" or "at least one" and the indefinite article "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should normally be construed to mean "at least one" or "one or more"). The same applies when a definite article is used to introduce a claim.

[0228] Additionally, even when a specific number is explicitly stated in an introduced claim, those skilled in the art will recognize that such a statement should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., a statement simply stating "two items," without any other modifiers, generally means at least two items, or more than two items). Furthermore, when notation similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, such syntax is generally intended in the sense that one skilled in the art would understand the notation (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, and / or all of A, B, and C, etc.). When notation similar to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, such syntax is generally intended in the sense that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand the notation (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, and / or all of A, B, and C, etc.). Furthermore, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that any disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms should typically be understood, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, to contemplate the possibility of including one of those terms, either of those terms, or both of those terms, unless the context requires otherwise. For example, the phrase "A or B" will typically be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

[0229] With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will understand that the recited operations herein generally can be performed in any order. Also, while flow diagrams of various operations are shown in sequence(s), it should be understood that the various operations may be performed in orders other than those shown, or may be performed simultaneously. Examples of such alternative orderings may include overlapping, interleaved, interrupted, reordered, incremental, preliminary, additional, simultaneous, reverse, or other different orderings, unless the context requires otherwise. Furthermore, terms such as "responsive to," "related to," or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variations, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0230] It is worth noting that any reference to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary," "in one example," etc. means that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," "exemplary," and "in one example" in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0231] Any patent application, patent, non-patent publication, or other disclosure material referenced herein and / or listed in any Application Data Sheet is incorporated herein by reference to the extent the incorporated material is not inconsistent with this specification. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure explicitly set forth herein shall supersede any conflicting statement incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated herein by reference but that conflicts with current definitions, views, or other disclosure material set forth herein shall be incorporated only to the extent that there is no conflict between the incorporated material and the current disclosure material.

[0232] In summary, many benefits have been described that result from using the concepts described herein. The foregoing description of one or more embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise form disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The one or more embodiments were chosen and described to illustrate the principles and practical applications, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to utilize various embodiments, with various modifications, as suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the claims presented herewith define the overall scope.

[0233] [Embodiment] (1) An isolation interface circuit for a modular energy system, comprising: a comparator including a first input configured to couple to the switch, a second input configured to couple to a reference voltage, and an output; a replica comparator including a first input configured to couple to the switch, a second input configured to couple to the reference voltage, and an output; an expander circuit including at least two inputs, the output of the comparator being coupled to one of the at least two inputs of the expander circuit and the output of the replica comparator being coupled to the other of the at least two inputs of the expander circuit, the expander circuit including an output; an isolator circuit including an input and an output, the input coupled to the output of the expander circuit; a controller coupled to the output of the isolator circuit, comparing the output of the comparator with the output of the replica comparator; a controller configured to determine, based on the comparison, to activate or deactivate a surgical instrument coupled to the controller. (2) an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the controller through the isolator circuit; 2. The isolation interface circuit of embodiment 1, comprising: a switch identification circuit coupled to the ADC, the switch identification circuit configured to identify the type of switch coupled to the comparator and the replica comparator. (3) The isolation interface circuit of embodiment 1, wherein the isolator circuit includes a digital isolator circuit. (4) The isolation interface circuit of embodiment 1, wherein the comparator and the replica comparator are configured to couple to a plurality of switches, the comparator comprises a plurality of comparators configured to couple to each of the plurality of switches, the replica comparator comprises a plurality of comparators configured to couple to each of the plurality of switches, and the controller is configured to compare the output of each of the plurality of comparators with a corresponding output of each of the replica comparators. (5) An isolation interface circuit as described in embodiment 1, wherein the comparator and the replica comparator are configured to be coupled to a foot switch.

[0234] (6) The isolation interface circuit of embodiment 1, wherein the output of the isolator circuit is a digital serial communication bus. (7) An isolation interface circuit for a modular energy system, comprising: a first comparator including a first input configured to couple to the first switch, a second input configured to couple to a reference voltage, and an output; a second comparator including a first input configured to couple to a second switch, a second input configured to couple to the reference voltage, and an output; a first replica comparator including a first input configured to couple to the first switch, a second input configured to couple to the reference voltage, and an output; a second replica comparator including a first input configured to couple to the second switch, a second input configured to couple to the reference voltage, and an output; an expander circuit including at least four inputs, wherein the outputs of the first comparator and the second comparator are each coupled to an input of the expander circuit, and the outputs of the first replica comparator and the second replica comparator are each coupled to an input of the expander circuit, the expander circuit including an output; an isolator circuit including an input and an output, the input coupled to the output of the expander circuit; a controller coupled to the output of the isolator circuit, comparing the output of the first comparator with the output of the first replica comparator; comparing the output of the second comparator with the output of the second replica comparator; a controller configured to determine, based on the comparison, to activate or deactivate a surgical instrument coupled to the controller. (8) an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the controller through the isolator circuit; 8. The isolation interface circuit of embodiment 7, comprising: a switch identification circuit coupled to the ADC, the switch identification circuit configured to identify a type of switch. (9) An isolated interface circuit as described in embodiment 7, comprising any one of a comparator reference voltage, a supply voltage, or a switch voltage applied to the ADC, or any combination thereof. (10) An isolation interface circuit as described in embodiment 7, wherein the isolator circuit includes a digital isolator circuit.

[0235] (11) An isolation interface circuit as described in embodiment 7, wherein the first comparator, the second comparator, and the first replica comparator and the second replica comparator are configured to be coupled to a foot switch. (12) An isolation interface circuit as described in embodiment 11, wherein the foot switch comprises a first switch and a second switch, the first switch representing a first state of the foot switch, and the second switch representing a second state of the foot switch. (13) The isolation interface circuit of embodiment 11, wherein the footswitch comprises a plurality of footswitches, each of the plurality of footswitches comprising a footswitch identification circuit coupled to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the controller through the isolator circuit, each of the footswitch identification circuits configured to identify a type of footswitch. (14) The isolation interface circuit of embodiment 7, wherein the output of the isolator circuit is a single digital serial communication bus.

Claims

1. 1. An isolation interface circuit for a modular energy system, comprising: a comparator including a first input configured to couple to the switch, a second input configured to couple to a reference voltage, and an output; a replica comparator including a first input configured to couple to the switch, a second input configured to couple to the reference voltage, and an output; an expander circuit including at least two inputs, the output of the comparator being coupled to one of the at least two inputs of the expander circuit and the output of the replica comparator being coupled to the other of the at least two inputs of the expander circuit, the expander circuit including an output; an isolator circuit including an input and an output, the input coupled to the output of the expander circuit; a controller coupled to the output of the isolator circuit, comparing the output of the comparator with the output of the replica comparator; a controller configured to determine to activate a surgical instrument coupled to the controller when the output of the comparator and the output of the replica comparator match, and to determine to deactivate the surgical instrument coupled to the controller when the output of the comparator and the output of the replica comparator do not match.

2. an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the controller through the isolator circuit; 2. The isolation interface circuit of claim 1, further comprising: a switch identification circuit coupled to the ADC, the switch identification circuit configured to identify a type of switch coupled to the comparator and the replica comparator.

3. 10. The isolation interface circuit of claim 1, wherein the isolator circuit comprises a digital isolator circuit.

4. 2. The isolation interface circuit of claim 1, wherein the comparator and the replica comparator are configured to couple to a plurality of switches, the comparator comprises a plurality of comparators configured to couple to each of the plurality of switches, the replica comparator comprises a plurality of comparators configured to couple to each of the plurality of switches, and the controller is configured to compare the output of each of the plurality of comparators with a corresponding output of each of the replica comparators.

5. 2. The isolation interface circuit of claim 1, wherein the comparator and the replica comparator are configured to couple to a footswitch.

6. 10. The isolation interface circuit of claim 1, wherein the output of the isolator circuit is a digital serial communication bus.

7. 1. An isolation interface circuit for a modular energy system, comprising: a first comparator including a first input configured to couple to the first switch, a second input configured to couple to a reference voltage, and an output; a second comparator including a first input configured to couple to a second switch, a second input configured to couple to the reference voltage, and an output; a first replica comparator including a first input configured to couple to the first switch, a second input configured to couple to the reference voltage, and an output; a second replica comparator including a first input configured to couple to the second switch, a second input configured to couple to the reference voltage, and an output; an expander circuit including at least four inputs, wherein the outputs of the first comparator and the second comparator are each coupled to an input of the expander circuit, and the outputs of the first replica comparator and the second replica comparator are each coupled to an input of the expander circuit, the expander circuit including an output; an isolator circuit including an input and an output, the input coupled to the output of the expander circuit; a controller coupled to the output of the isolator circuit, comparing the output of the first comparator with the output of the first replica comparator; comparing the output of the second comparator with the output of the second replica comparator; a controller configured to determine to activate a surgical instrument coupled to the controller when the output of the first comparator and the output of the first replica comparator match and the output of the second comparator and the output of the second replica comparator match, and to determine to deactivate the surgical instrument coupled to the controller when the output of the first comparator and the output of the first replica comparator do not match and the output of the second comparator and the output of the second replica comparator do not match.

8. an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the controller through the isolator circuit; 8. The isolation interface circuit of claim 7, comprising: a switch identification circuit coupled to the ADC, the switch identification circuit configured to identify a type of switch.

9. 8. The isolation interface circuit of claim 7, comprising any one of a comparator reference voltage, a supply voltage, or a switch voltage applied to the ADC, or any combination thereof.

10. 8. The isolation interface circuit of claim 7, wherein the isolator circuit comprises a digital isolator circuit.

11. 8. The isolation interface circuit of claim 7, wherein the first comparator and the second comparator and the first replica comparator and the second replica comparator are configured to couple to a footswitch.

12. 12. The isolation interface circuit of claim 11, wherein the footswitch comprises a first switch and a second switch, the first switch representing a first state of the footswitch and the second switch representing a second state of the footswitch.

13. 12. The isolation interface circuit of claim 11, wherein the footswitch comprises a plurality of footswitches, each of the plurality of footswitches comprising a footswitch identification circuit coupled to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) coupled to the controller through the isolator circuit, each of the footswitch identification circuits configured to identify a type of footswitch.

14. 8. The isolation interface circuit of claim 7, wherein the output of the isolator circuit is a single digital serial communication bus.

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