Radio frequency identification token for wireless surgical instruments

Abstract

Disclosed herein are systems, methods and devices for initiating pairing of a wireless surgical instrument to a modular energy system. In various aspects, the modular energy system includes an RFID reader configured to read a radio frequency identification (RIFD) card uniquely associated with the surgical instrument. When the RFID reader reads the RFID card, the RFID card initiates a wireless pairing process with the surgical instrument. Initiating the wireless pairing process can include causing the modular energy system to wirelessly search for the surgical instrument and causing a display screen to display instructions for wirelessly pairing the surgical instrument.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present disclosure relates to various surgical systems, including modular electro-surgical and / or ultrasonic surgical systems. Due to the web of cords, devices, and people resulting from the number of various devices required to complete each surgical procedure, the operating room (OR) requires a rationalized capital solution. This is the reality of the OR in every market around the world. Since most capital equipment performs one task or job, each type of capital equipment requires a unique technology or method of use and has a unique user interface, capital equipment is the main culprit in creating islands within the OR. Thus, there is an unmet consumer need to integrate capital equipment and other surgical technologies to improve the efficiency of the surgical staff during a surgical procedure by reducing the footprint of the equipment within the OR, rationalizing the interfaces of the equipment, and reducing the number of devices that the surgical staff has to operate.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0002] In various aspects, a modular energy system is disclosed. The modular energy system includes a header module having an RFID reader configured to read a radio frequency identification (RFID) card associated with a surgical instrument, wherein the RFID reader in the header module is configured to read the RFID card and initiate a wireless pairing process with the surgical instrument when the RFID card is positioned proximal to the RFID reader.

[0003] In various embodiments, modular energy systems are disclosed. The modular energy system includes a display screen with an RFID reader configured to read an RFID card associated with a surgical instrument, wherein the RFID reader on the display screen is configured to read the RFID card and initiate a wireless pairing process with the surgical instrument when the RFID card is located near the RFID reader.

[0004] In various embodiments, modular energy systems are disclosed. The modular energy system comprises an energy module having an RFID reader configured to read an RFID card associated with a surgical instrument, wherein the RFID reader in the energy module is configured to read the RFID card and initiate a wireless pairing process with the surgical instrument when the RFID card is located near the RFID reader. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0005] The various embodiments described herein with respect to both configuration and operation methods, along with their other purposes and advantages, can be best understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of a computer-implemented interactive surgical system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] A surgical system used to perform surgical procedures in an operating room, according to at least one aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 3] A visualization system, a robotic system, and a surgical hub paired with an intelligent instrument, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] A surgical system comprising a generator and various surgical instruments usable with the generator, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5]This is a diagram of a situational awareness surgical system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a diagram of various modules and other components that can be combined to customize a modular energy system, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] A first exemplary modular energy system configuration, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, includes a header module and a display screen representing a graphical user interface (GUI) for relaying information about modules connected to the header module. [Figure 7B] A modular energy system, as shown in Figure 7A, mounted on a cart, according to at least one aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 8A] A second exemplary modular energy system configuration, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, includes a header module connected together and mounted on a cart, a display screen, an energy module, and an expansion energy module. [Figure 8B] A third exemplary modular energy system configuration, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, is similar to the second configuration shown in Figure 7A, except that the header module lacks a display screen. [Figure 9] A fourth exemplary modular energy system configuration, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, includes a header module connected together and mounted on a cart, a display screen, an energy module, an expansion energy module, and a technology module. [Figure 10] A fifth exemplary modular energy system configuration, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, includes a header module connected together and mounted on a cart, a display screen, an energy module, an expansion energy module, a technology module, and a visualization module. [Figure 11]This is a diagram of a modular energy system including a transmissibly connectable surgical platform, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of a header module of a modular energy system including a user interface, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] This is a block diagram of a standalone hub configuration of a modular energy system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] This 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] This is a block diagram of a user interface module coupled to a communication module of a modular energy system, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] This is a block diagram of an energy module of a modular energy system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 17A] A block diagram of an energy module coupled to a header module of a modular energy system, according to at least one aspect of this disclosure, is shown. [Figure 17B] A block diagram of an energy module coupled to a header module of a modular energy system, according to at least one aspect of this disclosure, is shown. [Figure 18A] Figure 15 shows a block diagram of a header / user interface (UI) module of a modular energy system hub, such as the header module shown, according to at least one aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 18B] Figure 15 shows a block diagram of a header / user interface (UI) module of a modular energy system hub, such as the header module shown, according to at least one aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 19]These are block diagrams of energy modules in a hub, such as the energy modules shown in Figures 13 to 18B, according to at least one aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 20] This is a schematic diagram of a modular energy system stack showing a power backplane, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 21] This is a schematic diagram of a modular energy system according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] This is a perspective view of a packing system for a wireless surgical instrument capable of pairing based on an RFID token, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 23] A perspective view in which a user holds an RFID card in the vicinity of a display screen of a modular energy system in order to initiate pairing based on an RFID token, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 24] A perspective view of a display screen showing illustrated instructions for wirelessly pairing a surgical instrument with a modular energy system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 25] This is a block diagram of a modular energy system, including a header / user interface module equipped with an RFID reader, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 26] This is a block diagram of a modular energy system, including a display screen equipped with an RFID reader, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 27] This is a block diagram of a modular energy system, including an energy module 1552 equipped with an RFID reader, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0006] Throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts. The examples described herein illustrate various disclosed embodiments in one form and should not be construed as limiting the scope in any way. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The applicant of the present application owns the following co-filed U.S. patent applications, the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. END9314USNP1 / 210018-1M, titled "METHOD FOR MECHANICAL PACKAGING FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM", · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. END9314USNP2 / 210018-2, titled "Backplane Connector Attachment Mechanism For Modular Energy System", · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. END9314USNP3 / 210018-3, titled "BEZEL WITH LIGHT BLOCKING FEATURES FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM", · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. END9314USNP4 / 210018-4, titled "HEADER FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM", · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. END9315USNP1 / 210019, titled "SURGICAL PROCEDURELIZATION VIA MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM", · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. END9316USNP1 / 210020-1M, titled "METHOD FOR ENERGY DELIVERY FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM", · U.S. Patent Application Serial No. END9316USNP2 / 210020-2, titled "Modular Energy System With Dual AmplifierS And Techniques For Updating Parameters Thereof", • U.S. Patent Application No. END9316USNP3 / 210020-3, Title of Invention: "Modular Energy System With MULTI-ENERGY PORT SPLITTER For Multiple ENERGY DEVICES", • U.S. Patent Application No. END9317USNP1 / 210021-1M, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR INTELLIGENT INSTRUMENTS FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM", • U.S. Patent Application No. END9317USNP3 / 210021-3, Title of Invention: "INTELLIGENT DATA PORTS FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEMS", • U.S. Patent Application No. END9318USNP1 / 210022-1M, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM", • U.S. Patent Application No. END9318USNP2 / 210022-2, Title of Invention: "USER INTERFACE MITIGATION TECHNIQUES FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEMS", • U.S. Patent Application No. END9318USNP3 / 210022-3, Title of Invention: "ENERGY DELIVERY MITIGATIONS FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEMS", • U.S. Patent Application No. END9318USNP4 / 210022-4, Title of Invention "ARCHITECTURE FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM", and • U.S. Patent Application No. END9318USNP5 / 210022-5, Title of Invention: "Modular Energy System With Hardware Mitigated Communication".

[0008] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. patent applications filed on September 5, 2019, the disclosures of each of these are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: • U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,144, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM USER INTERFACE" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0078106), • U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,151, Title of Invention: "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, Title of Invention: "CONSOLIDATED USER INTERFACE FOR MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0081585) • U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,159, Title of Invention: "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, Title of Invention: "Adaptably Connectable and Reassignable System Accessories for Modular Energy System" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0078111) • U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,123, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTING AND USING A MODULAR SURGICAL ENERGY SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE DEVICES" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0100830) • U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,135, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ENERGY MODULE OUTPUT" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078076), • U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,180, Title of Invention: "ENERGY MODULE FOR DRIVING MULTIPLE ENERGY MODALITIES" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078080), • U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,184, Title of Invention: "GROUNDING ARRANGEMENT OF ENERGY MODULES" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0078081), • U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,188, Title of Invention: "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, Title of Invention: "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, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT UTILIZING DRIVE SIGNAL TO POWER SECONDARY FUNCTION" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0078082), • U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,142, Title of Invention: "METHOD FOR ENERGY DISTRIBUTION IN A SURGICAL MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0078070), • U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,169, Title of Invention: "Surgical Modular energy system with a segmented backplane" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078112) • U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,185, Title of Invention: "SURGICAL MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM WITH FOOTER MODULE" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0078115) • U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,203, Title of Invention: "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, Title of Invention: "MODULAR SURGICAL ENERGY SYSTEM WITH MODULE POSITIONAL AWARENESS SENSING WITH VOLTAGE DETECTION" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078119) • U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,234, Title of Invention: "MODULAR SURGICAL ENERGY SYSTEM WITH MODULE POSITIONAL AWARENESS SENSING WITH TIME COUNTER" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0305945), • U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,243, Title of Invention: "MODULAR SURGICAL ENERGY SYSTEM WITH MODULE POSITIONAL AWARENESS WITH DIGITAL LOGIC" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0078120), • U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,125, Title of Invention: "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, Title of Invention: "FLEXIBLE HAND-SWITCH CIRCUIT" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0106220) • U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,143, Title of Invention: "FIRST AND SECOND COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL ARRANGEMENT FOR DRIVING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY DEVICES THROUGH A SINGLE PORT" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0090808) • U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,148, Title of Invention: "FLEXIBLE NEUTRAL ELECTRODE" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078077), • U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,154, Title of Invention: "SMART RETURN PAD SENSING THROUGH MODULATION OF NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION AND CONTACT QUALITY MONITORING SIGNALS" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078089) • U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,162, Title of Invention: "Automatic Ultrasonic Energy Activation Circuit Design for Modular Surgical Systems" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0305924) • U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,167, Title of Invention: "Coordinated Energy Outputs of Separate But Connected Modules" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0078078), • U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,170, Title of Invention: "Managing Simultaneous Monopolar Outputs Using Duty Cycle and Synchronization" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0078079), • U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,172, Title of Invention: "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, Title of Invention: "INSTRUMENT TRACKING ARRANGEMENT BASED ON REAL TIME CLOCK INFORMATION" (currently U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0078071), • U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 562,177, Title of Invention: "Regional Location Tracking of Components of a Modular Energy System" (currently U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020 / 0078114) • U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 704,610, Title of Invention: "ENERGY MODULE", • U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 704,614, Title of Invention: "ENERGY MODULE MONOPOLAR PORT WITH FOURTH SOCKET AMONG THREE OTHER SOCKETS", • U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 704,616, Title of Invention: "BACKPLANE CONNECTOR FOR ENERGY MODULE", and U.S. Design Patent Application No. 29 / 704,617, Title of Invention: "ALERT SCREEN FOR ENERGY MODULE".

[0009] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. provisional patent applications filed on March 29, 2019, the disclosures of each of these are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: • U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 826,584, Title of Invention: "MODULAR SURGICAL PLATFORM ELECTRICAL ARCHITECTURE", • U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 826,587, Title of Invention: "MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM CONNECTIVITY", • U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 826,588, Title of Invention: "MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM INSTRUMENT COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES", and • U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 826,592, Title of Invention: "MODULAR ENERGY DELIVERY SYSTEM".

[0010] The applicant of this application owns the following U.S. provisional patent applications filed on September 7, 2018, the disclosures of each of these are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: • U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 728,480, Title of Invention: "MODULAR ENERGY SYSTEM AND USER INTERFACE".

[0011] Before describing in detail the various embodiments of surgical devices and generators, it should be noted that the illustrative embodiments are not limited in their application or use to the details of the structure and arrangement of the components illustrated in the accompanying drawings and descriptions. The illustrative embodiments may be implemented or incorporated into other embodiments, variations, and modifications, and may be carried out or performed in various ways. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the terms and expressions used herein have been selected for the purpose of illustrating the illustrative embodiments for the convenience of the reader and are not intended to limit them. Furthermore, it should be understood that one or more embodiments, expressions of embodiments, and / or embodiments described below may be combined with any one or more other embodiments, expressions of embodiments, and / or embodiments described below.

[0012] Various embodiments apply to improved ultrasonic surgical devices, electrosurgical devices, and generators for use with them. Embodiments of ultrasonic surgical devices may be configured, for example, to transversely incise and / or coagulate tissue during surgical procedures. Embodiments of electrosurgical devices may be configured, for example, to transversely incise, coagulate, scale, weld and / or dry tissue during surgical procedures.

[0013] Surgical system hardware Referring to Figure 1, the computer-implemented interactive surgical system 100 includes one or more surgical systems 102 and a cloud-based system (e.g., a cloud 104 which may include a remote server 113 coupled to a storage device 105). Each surgical system 102 includes at least one surgical hub 106 that communicates with the cloud 104 which may include the remote server 113. In one example, as shown in Figure 1, the 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, the 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 of 1 or more.

[0014] Figure 2 shows an example of a surgical system 102 used to perform surgical procedures on a patient lying on an operating table 114 in a surgical 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 change the orientation of the imaging device 124. Images of the surgical site can be processed using the robotic hub 122 and then displayed to the surgeon through the surgeon's console 118.

[0015] 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 this 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.

[0016] Various examples of cloud-based analytical methods implemented by Cloud104 and suitable for use with this disclosure are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,340, filed December 28, 2017, entitled “CLOUD-BASED MEDICAL ANALYTICS,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0017] In various embodiments, the imaging device 124 includes at least one image sensor and one or more optical components. Preferred image sensors include, but are not limited to, charge-coupled device (CCD) sensors and complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors.

[0018] The optical components of the imaging device 124 may include one or more illumination sources and / or one or more lenses. One or more illumination sources may be directed to illuminate a portion of the surgical field. One or more image sensors can receive light reflected or refracted from the surgical field, including light reflected or refracted from tissue and / or surgical instruments.

[0019] One or more illumination sources may be configured to emit electromagnetic energy in the visible and invisible spectra. The visible spectrum, sometimes also called the light spectrum or emission spectrum, is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye (i.e., detectable by the human eye), and is sometimes called visible light or simply light. The typical human eye responds to wavelengths in air from approximately 380 nm to approximately 750 nm.

[0020] The invisible spectrum (i.e., the non-emission spectrum) is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum located below and above the visible spectrum (i.e., wavelengths below approximately 380 nm and above approximately 750 nm). The invisible spectrum is undetectable to the human eye. Wavelengths above approximately 750 nm are longer than the red visible spectrum and consist of invisible infrared (IR), microwaves, and radio electromagnetic radiation. Wavelengths below approximately 380 nm are shorter than the violet spectrum and consist of invisible ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma-ray electromagnetic radiation.

[0021] In various embodiments, the 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, cholangioscopies, colonoscopes, cystoscopes, duodenoscopes, intestinaloscopes, esophagogastroduodenoscopes (gastroscopy), endoscopes, laryngoscopes, nasopharyngolaryngoscopes, sigmoidoscopy, thoracoscopy, and ureteroscopes.

[0022] In one embodiment, the imaging device employs multispectral monitoring to distinguish between topography and underlying structures. Multispectral imaging captures image data within a specific wavelength range from the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Wavelengths can be separated by filters or by using instruments sensitive to specific wavelengths, including frequencies beyond the visible light range, such as IR and ultraviolet light. Spectral imaging makes it possible to 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 section "Advanced Imaging Acquisition Module" of 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. 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 tests described above on the treated tissue.

[0023] It is self-evident that strict sterilization of the operating room and surgical instruments is necessary in any surgical procedure. The strict sanitary and sterilization conditions required in the “operating room,” i.e., the operating room or treatment room, require the highest possible level of sterility for all medical devices and instruments. 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 will be understood that the sterile field may be considered a specific area that is deemed to be free of microorganisms, such as inside a tray or on a sterile towel, or it may be considered the area immediately surrounding a patient who is ready for surgical treatment. The sterile field may include cleaned team members wearing appropriate clothing, as well as all equipment and restraints within that area.

[0024] In various embodiments, the visualization system 108 includes one or more imaging sensors strategically positioned relative to a 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 embodiment, the visualization system 108 includes interfaces for HL7, PACS, and EMR. Various components of the visualization system 108 are described in the section “Advanced Imaging Acquisition Module” of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 611,341, “INTERACTIVE SURGICAL PLATFORM,” filed December 28, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the primary display 119 is positioned in the sterile field so that it is visible to the operator on the operating table 114. In addition, a visualization tower 111 is positioned outside the sterile field. The visualization tower 111 includes a first non-sterile display 107 and a second non-sterile display 109, facing opposite directions from each other. The visualization system 108, guided by the hub 106, is configured to utilize displays 107, 109, and 119 to coordinate the flow of information to operators inside and outside the sterile field. For example, the hub 106 can cause the visualization system 108 to display snapshots of the surgical site recorded by the imaging device 124 on the non-sterile displays 107 or 109 while maintaining live video of the surgical site on the primary display 119. The snapshots on the non-sterile displays 107 or 109 allow, for example, a non-sterile operator to perform diagnostic steps related to the surgical procedure.

[0026] In one embodiment, the hub 106 is also configured to send diagnostic input or feedback entered by a non-sterile operator in the visualization tower 111 to a primary display 119 in the sterile field, which can then be viewed by a sterile operator at the operating table. In one example, the input may take the form of modifications to a snapshot displayed on the non-sterile display 107 or 109, which can then be sent to the primary display 119 by the hub 106.

[0027] Referring to Figure 2, the surgical instrument 112 is used as part of the surgical system 102 in a surgical procedure. The hub 106 is also configured to coordinate the flow of information 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 in the visualization tower 111 can be sent by the hub 106 to the surgical instrument display 115 in the sterile field, which can then be viewed by the operator of the surgical instrument 112. Examples of surgical instruments suitable for use with surgical system 102 are described, for example, in the section “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.

[0028] Referring here to Figure 3, a hub 106 is shown that communicates with a visualization system 108, a robotic system 110, and a handheld intelligent surgical instrument 112. The hub 106 includes a hub display 135, an imaging module 138, a generator module 140, a communication module 130, a processor module 132, a storage array 134, and an operating room mapping module 133. In certain embodiments, as shown in Figure 3, the hub 106 further includes a smoke extraction module 126 and / or a suction / irrigation module 128.

[0029] During surgical procedures, applying energy to tissue for sealing and / or cutting is generally associated with fumes, excess fluid suction, and / or tissue irrigation. Fluid lines, power lines, and / or data lines from different sources often become entangled during surgical procedures. Dealing with this problem during surgical procedures can result in the loss of valuable time. Untangling lines may require disconnecting them from their corresponding modules, which may necessitate resetting the modules. The hub-modular enclosure 136 provides an integrated environment for managing power lines, data lines, and fluid lines, reducing the frequency of such line entanglements.

[0030] Aspects of this disclosure present a surgical hub for use in surgical procedures involving the application of energy to tissue at a surgical site. The surgical hub includes a hub enclosure and a combination generator module slidably receivable within a docking station of the hub enclosure. The docking station includes data contacts and power contacts. The combination generator module includes two or more ultrasonic energy generator components, bipolar RF energy generator components, and unipolar RF energy generator components housed in a single unit. In one aspect, the combination generator module also includes a fume exhaust component, at least one energy supply cable for connecting the combination generator module to a surgical instrument, at least one fume exhaust component configured to exhaust smoke, fluid, and / or particulate matter generated by the application of therapeutic energy to tissue, and a fluid line extending from a remote surgical site to the fume exhaust component.

[0031] In one embodiment, the fluid line described above is a first fluid line, and a second fluid line extends from the remote surgical site to a suction and irrigation module that is slidably received within a hub enclosure. In one embodiment, the hub enclosure includes a fluid interface.

[0032] 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 can be used to seal tissue, while an ultrasonic generator can be used to cut sealed tissue. A part of the present disclosure presents a solution in which a hub-modular enclosure 136 is configured to house various generators and facilitate interactive communication between them. One of the advantages of the hub-modular enclosure 136 is that it allows for the rapid removal and / or replacement of various modules.

[0033] Aspects of the present disclosure present 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 having a first docking port including a first data contact and a first power contact, wherein the first energy generator module is slidably movable to electrically engage with the power contact and the data contact, and the first energy generator module is slidably movable to disengage from the electrical engagement with the first power contact and the first data contact.

[0034] In addition to the above, the modular surgical enclosure also includes a second energy generator module configured to generate a second energy for application to tissue, distinct from a first energy, and a second docking station having a second docking port including a second data contact and a second power contact, wherein the second energy generator module is slidably movable to electrically engage with the power contact and the data contact, and the second energy generator module is slidably movable to disengage from the electrical engagement with the second power contact and the second data contact.

[0035] In addition, the modular surgical enclosure also includes a communication bus between a first docking port and a second docking port, which is configured to facilitate communication between a first energy generator module and a second energy generator module.

[0036] Referring to Figure 3, an aspect of the present disclosure is presented relating to a hub modular enclosure 136 that enables modular integration of a generator module 140, a fume exhaust module 126, and a suction / irrigation module 128. The hub modular enclosure 136 further facilitates interactive communication between modules 140, 126, and 128. The generator module 140 may be a generator module comprising integrated unipolar, bipolar, and ultrasonic components supported within a single housing unit that is slidably inserted into the hub modular enclosure 136. The generator module 140 may be configured to connect to a unipolar device 142, a bipolar device 144, and an ultrasonic device 148. Alternatively, the generator module 140 may comprise a set of unipolar generator modules, bipolar generator modules, 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 generators docked to the hub modular enclosure 136, so that multiple generators can function as a single generator.

[0037] In one embodiment, the hub modular enclosure 136 includes a modular power and communications backplane 149 with external and wireless communication headers to enable the removable mounting of modules 140, 126, and 128 and interactive communication between them.

[0038] 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 can communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation over a non-solid medium. This term does not mean that the devices concerned are not wired, although in some embodiments 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, and their Ethernet derivatives, as well as any other wireless and wired protocols designated as 3G, 4G, 5G and later. 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.

[0039] As used herein, a processor or processing unit is an electronic circuit that operates on several external data sources (usually memory) or some other data stream. The term is used herein to refer to a system or computer system (particularly a system-on-a-chip (SoC)) that combines many specialized "processors," or to a central processor (central processing unit).

[0040] 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 contain 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 internal memory.

[0041] As used herein, a microcontroller or controller is a system that integrates a microprocessor with peripheral circuits and memory. A microcontroller (or MCU for a microcontroller unit) may be implemented as a miniature 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 memory and programmable input / output peripherals along with one or more core processing units (CPUs). Program memory in the form of ferroelectric RAM, NOR flash, or OTP ROM, and a small amount of RAM are also often included on the chip. Microcontrollers may be used for embedded applications, in contrast to microprocessors used in personal computers or other general-purpose applications consisting of various separate chips.

[0042] As used herein, the terms controller or microcontroller may refer to a standalone IC or chip device that interfaces with a peripheral device. This may also refer to a connection between two parts of a computer or controller on an external device that manages the operation of the device (and its connection to the device).

[0043] Any processor or microcontroller described herein may be implemented by any single-core or multi-core processor, such as those known by the trade name ARM Cortex from Texas Instruments. In one embodiment, the processor may be, for example, the LM4F230H5QR ARM Cortex-M4F processor core available from Texas Instruments. This processor core includes on-chip memory of 256KB single-cycle flash memory or other non-volatile memory with a maximum frequency of 40MHz, a prefetch buffer for improving performance beyond 40MHz, 32KB single-cycle serial random access memory (SRAM), internal read-only memory (ROM) with StellarisWare® software, 2KB 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. Further details are available in the product datasheet.

[0044] In one embodiment, the processor may include a safety controller, including two controller-based families, such as the TMS570 and RM4x, also from Texas Instruments and known by the trade names Hercules ARM Cortex R4. The safety controller may be configured, in particular, specifically for IEC61508 and ISO26262 safety limit applications, to provide a highly integrated safety mechanism while offering scalable performance, connectivity, and memory options.

[0045] A modular device includes modules receivable within a surgical hub (as described, for example, in relation to Figure 3), and surgical devices or instruments that can be connected to various modules for connection or pairing with the corresponding surgical hub. Examples of modular devices include intelligent surgical instruments, medical imaging devices, suction / irrigation devices, fume extractors, energy generators, ventilators, inhalers, and displays. Modular devices described herein can be controlled by control algorithms. Control algorithms may be executed 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 (for example, via a distributed computing architecture). In some examples, the control algorithm for a modular device controls the device based on data detected by the modular device itself (i.e., by sensors within the modular device, on the modular device, or connected to the modular device). This data may be related to the patient during surgery (e.g., tissue characteristics or pressure) or to the modular device itself (e.g., the speed of the advancing knife, motor current, or energy level). For example, a control algorithm for surgical stapling and cutting instruments can control the speed at which the instrument's motor penetrates tissue and drives the knife, based on the resistance generated by the knife as it moves forward.

[0046] Figure 4 shows one embodiment of the surgical system 2200, which includes a modular energy system 2000 and various surgical instruments 2204, 2206, and 2208 that can be used with it, where surgical instrument 2204 is an ultrasonic surgical instrument, surgical instrument 2206 is an RF electrosurgical instrument, and multifunctional surgical instrument 2208 is a combined ultrasonic / RF electrosurgical instrument. The modular energy system 2000 can be configured for use with various surgical instruments. According to various embodiments, the modular energy system 2000 may be configured for use with different types of surgical instruments, including, for example, the ultrasonic surgical instrument 2204, the RF electrosurgical instrument 2206, and the multifunctional surgical instrument 2208 which integrates RF energy and ultrasonic energy delivered simultaneously from the modular energy system 2000. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the modular energy system 2000 is shown separately from the surgical instruments 2204, 2206, and 2208. However, in one embodiment, the modular energy system 2000 may be integrally formed with any of the surgical instruments 2204, 2206, and 2208 to form an integrated surgical system. The modular energy system 2000 may be configured for wired or wireless communication.

[0047] The modular energy system 2000 is configured to drive several surgical instruments 2204, 2206, and 2208. The first surgical instrument is the ultrasonic surgical instrument 2204, which 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 for operating the clamp arm 2240 and a combination of toggle buttons 2234a, 2234b, and 2234c for supplying energy to and driving the ultrasonic blade 2228 or other functions. The toggle buttons 2234a, 2234b, and 2234c can be configured to supply energy to the ultrasonic transducer 2220 using the modular energy system 2000.

[0048] 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 contains electrodes in clamp arms 2242a, 2242b that return through the electrically conductive portion of the shaft 2227. The electrodes are coupled to a bipolar energy source in the modular energy system 2000 and are powered by the bipolar energy source. The handpiece 2207 includes a trigger 2245 for operating the clamp arms 2242a, 2242b and an energy button 2235 for activating an energy switch to supply energy to the electrodes in the end effector 2224.

[0049] The modular energy system 2000 is also configured to drive a multifunctional surgical instrument 2208. The multifunctional 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 handpiece 2209 includes a trigger 2247 for operating the clamp arm 2246 and a combination of toggle buttons 2237a, 2237b, and 2237c for supplying energy to and driving the ultrasonic blade 2249 or other functions. The toggle buttons 2237a, 2237b, and 2237c can be configured to supply energy to the ultrasonic transducer 2220 using the modular energy system 2000, and similarly to supply energy to the ultrasonic blade 2249 using a bipolar energy source housed within the modular energy system 2000.

[0050] The modular energy system 2000 can be configured for use with a variety of surgical instruments. In various embodiments, the modular energy system 2000 may be configured 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 multifunctional surgical instrument 2208 that integrates RF and ultrasonic energy delivered simultaneously from the modular energy system 2000. In the embodiment of Figure 4, the modular energy system 2000 is shown separately from the surgical instruments 2204, 2206, and 2208, but in other embodiments, the modular energy system 2000 may be formed integrally with any of the surgical instruments 2204, 2206, and 2208 to form an integrated surgical system. Further embodiments of generators and surgical instruments for digitally generating electrical signal waveforms are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0086914, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0051] Situational awareness An "intelligent" device that includes a control algorithm that responds to detected data may be an improvement over a "data-dumb" device that operates without considering detected data. However, some detected data, when considered in isolation, may be incomplete or inconclusive without the context of the type of surgical procedure being performed or the type of tissue being operated on. Without knowing the procedure context (e.g., the type of tissue being operated on or the type of procedure being performed), a control algorithm, given detected data that lacks specific context, may control a modular device inaccurately or suboptimally. For example, the optimal form of a control algorithm for controlling a surgical instrument in response to a specific detected parameter may vary depending on the specific type of tissue being operated on. This is due to the fact that different types of tissue have different properties (e.g., resistance to tearing) and therefore respond differently to actions taken by the surgical instrument. Thus, even when the same measurement is detected for a particular parameter, it may be desirable for the surgical instrument to take different actions. As a specific example, the optimal mode of control for surgical stapling and cutting instruments in response to detecting unexpectedly high forces required to close their end effectors differs depending on whether the tissue type is susceptible to tearing or resistant to tearing. For tear-sensitive tissues, such as lung tissue, the instrument's control algorithm optimally slows down the motor in response to unexpectedly high forces required to close in order to avoid tearing the tissue. For tear-resistant tissues, such as stomach tissue, the instrument's control algorithm optimally accelerates the motor in response to unexpectedly high forces required to close in order to ensure that the end effector is properly clamped to the tissue. If it is unclear whether lung tissue or stomach tissue is being clamped, the control algorithm may make an insufficient decision.

[0052] One solution utilizes a surgical hub, which includes a system configured to derive information about a surgical procedure being performed based on data received from various data sources, and then appropriately control paired modular devices. In other words, the surgical hub is configured to infer information about a surgical procedure from received data, and then control modular devices paired with the surgical hub based on the inferred context about the surgical procedure. Figure 5 illustrates a diagram of a context-aware surgical system 2300 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. In some examples, the data source 2326 may include, for example, a modular device 2302 (which may include sensors configured to detect parameters associated with the patient and / or the modular device itself), a database 2322 (e.g., an EMR database containing patient records), and a patient monitoring device 2324 (e.g., a blood pressure (BP) monitor and an electrocardiogram (EKG) monitor). The surgical hub 2304 can be configured to derive contextual information about a surgical procedure from data, for example, based on a specific combination(s) of received data or a specific order in which data was received from the data source 2326. Contextual information inferred from the received data may include, for example, the type of surgical procedure being performed, a specific step of the surgical procedure being performed by the surgeon, the type of tissue being operated on, or the body cavity being targeted by the procedure. This functionality of the surgical hub 2304 in some embodiments for deriving or inferring information about a surgical procedure from received data may be referred to as “situational awareness.” In one example, the surgical hub 2304 may incorporate a situational awareness system, which is hardware and / or programming associated with the surgical hub 2304, for deriving contextual information related to a surgical procedure from received data.

[0053] The situational awareness system of the surgical hub 2304 can be configured to derive contextual information from data received from the data source 2326 in various different ways. In one example, the situational awareness system includes a pattern recognition system or machine learning system (e.g., an artificial neural network) trained on training data to correlate various inputs (e.g., data from the database 2322, the patient monitoring device 2324, and / or the modular device 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 the provided inputs. In another example, the situational awareness system may include a lookup table that stores pre-characterized contextual information about the surgical procedure, associated with one or more inputs (or ranges of inputs) that correspond to that contextual information. In response to a query with one or more inputs, the lookup table can return the corresponding contextual information of the situational awareness system to control the modular device 2302. In one example, contextual information received by the situation awareness system of the surgical hub 2304 is associated with a specific control adjustment, or a set of control adjustments, of one or more modular devices 2302. In another example, the situation awareness system includes a further machine learning system, lookup table, or other such system that generates or retrieves one or more control adjustments of one or more modular devices 2302 when contextual information is provided as input.

[0054] The surgical hub 2304, which incorporates a situational awareness system, brings many advantages to the surgical system 2300. One advantage is improved interpretation of detected and collected data, which improves processing accuracy during the course of the surgical procedure and / or the use of the data. Returning to the previous example, the situational awareness surgical hub 2304 can determine what type of tissue is being operated on, and therefore, if an unexpectedly high force is detected to close the end effector of a surgical instrument, the situational awareness surgical hub 2304 can correctly accelerate or decelerate the motor of the surgical instrument according to the tissue type.

[0055] In another embodiment, the type of tissue being operated on may affect the adjustments made to the compression rate and load threshold of surgical stapling and cutting instruments for measuring specific interstitial gaps. The situational awareness surgical hub 2304 can infer whether the surgical procedure being performed is a thoracic or abdominal procedure, thereby allowing the surgical hub 2304 to determine whether the tissue clamped by the end effector of the surgical stapling and cutting instrument is lung tissue (in the case of a thoracic procedure) or gastric tissue (in the case of an abdominal procedure). The surgical hub 2304 can then appropriately adjust the compression rate and load threshold of the surgical stapling and cutting instrument to match the type of tissue.

[0056] In yet another embodiment, the type of body cavity being operated on during an aeration procedure may affect the function of the smoke exhauster. The situation-aware surgical hub 2304 can determine whether the surgical site is under pressure (by determining that the surgical procedure is utilizing aeration) and determine the type of procedure. Generally, since certain types of procedures are performed in specific body cavities, the surgical hub 2304 can appropriately control the motor speed of the smoke exhauster to match the body cavity being operated on. Thus, the situation-aware surgical hub 2304 can provide a consistent amount of smoke exhaust for both thoracic and abdominal surgeries.

[0057] In yet another embodiment, the type of procedure being performed may affect the optimal energy level for operation of an ultrasonic surgical instrument or a radio frequency (RF) electrosurgical instrument. For example, arthroscopy requires a higher energy level because the end effector of the ultrasonic surgical instrument or RF electrosurgical instrument is immersed in fluid. The situational awareness surgical hub 2304 can determine whether the surgical procedure is an arthroscopy. 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 may affect the optimal energy level for operation of an ultrasonic surgical instrument or an RF electrosurgical instrument. The situational awareness 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 expected tissue shape for the surgical procedure. Furthermore, the situation-aware surgical hub 2304 can be configured to adjust the energy levels of the ultrasonic surgical instrument or RF electrosurgical instrument not merely per procedure, but throughout the course of the surgical procedure. The situation-aware surgical hub 2304 can determine which stage of the surgical procedure is being performed or is continuing, and then update the control algorithms of the generator and / or the ultrasonic surgical instrument or RF electrosurgical instrument to set the energy levels to values ​​appropriate for the expected tissue type according to the stage of the surgical procedure.

[0058] In yet another embodiment, the surgical hub 2304 may also derive data from additional data sources 2326 to improve conclusions drawn from one data source 2326. The contextually aware surgical hub 2304 may enhance data received from the modular device 2302 with contextual information constructed from other data sources 2326 regarding the surgical procedure. For example, the contextually 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, video or image data may not be conclusive. Therefore, in one example, the surgical hub 2304 may be further configured to make a determination regarding the integrity of the staple line or tissue weld by comparing physiological measurements (e.g., blood pressure detected by a BP monitor communicably connected to the surgical hub 2304) with visual or image data of hemostasis (e.g., from a medical imaging device 124 (Figure 2) communicably coupled to the surgical hub 2304). In other words, the context-aware system of the surgical hub 2304 can provide additional context when analyzing visualization data by considering physiological measurement data. This additional context can be useful when the visualization data itself may not be conclusive or may be incomplete.

[0059] Another advantage is the proactive and automatic control of the paired modular devices 2302 according to specific steps of the surgical procedure being performed, in order to reduce the number of times healthcare professionals are required to interact with or control the surgical system 2300 during the course of the surgical procedure. For example, the situation-aware surgical hub 2304 may proactively start the generator to which the RF electrosurgical instrument is connected if it determines that the instrument will be needed in a subsequent step of the procedure. By proactively starting the energy source, the instrument can be ready for use as soon as the preceding steps of the procedure are completed.

[0060] In another embodiment, the situational awareness surgical hub 2304 can determine whether the current or subsequent steps of the surgical procedure require different views or magnifications on the display, according to the shape(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., supplied from a medical imaging device for the visualization system 108) as appropriate, thereby automatically adjusting the display throughout the surgical procedure.

[0061] In yet another embodiment, the situation-aware surgical hub 2304 can determine which step of a surgical procedure is being performed or will be performed next, and whether specific data or comparisons of data 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 steps of the surgical procedure being performed, without waiting for the surgeon to ask for specific information.

[0062] Another advantage is the ability to check for errors during or in the course of a surgical procedure. For example, the situation-aware surgical hub 2304 can determine whether the operating room 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, read the corresponding checklist, product location, or setup requirements (e.g., from memory), and then compare the current operating room layout to a standard layout 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 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 a warning indicating that a particular modular device 2302, patient monitoring device 2324, and / or other surgical items are missing. In one example, the surgical hub 2304 may be configured to determine the relative distance or relative position of the modular device 2302 and the patient monitoring device 2324, for example, by proximity sensors. 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 discontinuity exists between the layouts, the surgical hub 2304 may be configured to provide a warning indicating that the current layout for the surgical procedure deviates from the recommended layout.

[0063] In another embodiment, the situation-aware surgical hub 2304 can determine whether a surgeon (or other healthcare professional) is making an error or deviating from a set of actions expected during the course of a surgical procedure. For example, the surgical hub 2304 may be configured to determine the type of surgical procedure being performed, read a correspondence list of instrument usage steps or sequences (e.g., from memory), and then compare the steps or instruments being performed or used during the course of the surgical procedure with the steps or instruments expected for the type of surgical procedure that the surgical hub 2304 has determined is being performed. In one example, the surgical hub 2304 may be configured to provide a warning indicating that an unexpected action is being performed or an unexpected device is being used at a particular step in the surgical procedure.

[0064] Overall, the context-aware 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., to suit different tissue types) and by validating actions taken during the surgical procedure. Furthermore, the context-aware system improves surgeon efficiency when performing surgical procedures by automatically suggesting the next steps, providing data, and adjusting the in-surgery displays and other modular devices 2302 according to the specific context of the procedure.

[0065] Modular energy systems Due to the sheer volume of equipment required to perform surgical procedures, operations rooms (ORs) worldwide have become a tangled web of code, devices, and people. Surgical capital equipment tends to be the primary cause of this problem, as most of it performs a single, specialized task. Because of their specialized nature, surgeons may need to utilize multiple different types of devices during a single surgical procedure, forcing ORs to stockpile two or even more pieces of surgical capital equipment, such as energy generators. Each of these pieces of surgical capital equipment must be individually plugged into a power source and may also be connected to one or more other devices circulating among personnel within the OR, leading to tangled cords and requiring guidance. Another problem faced in modern ORs is that each of these specialized pieces of surgical capital equipment must have its own user interface and be controlled independently of other pieces of equipment within the OR. This makes it complex to connect and properly control multiple different devices, requiring users to be trained in and memorize different types of user interfaces (which may be further modified based on the task or surgical procedure being performed, in addition to changes between each piece of capital equipment). This cumbersome and complex process may require even more individuals to be present in the OR, and can create danger if multiple devices are not properly controlled to one another. Therefore, integrating surgical capital equipment technology into a single system that flexibly meets the surgeon's needs by reducing the footprint of surgical capital equipment within the OR would simplify the user experience, reduce clutter in the OR, and prevent the difficulties and dangers associated with simultaneously controlling multiple pieces of capital equipment. Furthermore, making such a system scalable or customizable would allow new technologies to be conveniently incorporated into existing surgical systems, eliminating the need to replace the entire surgical system or requiring OR personnel to learn new user interfaces or equipment controls for each new technology.

[0066] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the surgical hub 106 can be configured to interchangeably accept various modules, which can interface with surgical devices (e.g., surgical instruments or fume extractors) or provide various other functions (e.g., communication). In one embodiment, the surgical hub 106 can be embodied as a modular energy system 2000, as shown in relation to Figures 6 to 12. The modular energy system 2000 may include various different modules 2001 that are interconnected in a stacked configuration. In one embodiment, the modules 2001 can be physically and communicatively coupled when stacked or when otherwise connected together to form a single assembly. Furthermore, the modules 2001 may be interchangeably connected in different combinations or arrangements. In one embodiment, each module 2001 may include a consistent or universal array of connectors arranged along their upper and lower surfaces, thereby enabling any module 2001 to be connected to another module 2001 in any arrangement (however, in some embodiments, certain module types, such as header modules 2002, may be configured to function, for example, as modules positioned at the top of a stack). In an alternative embodiment, the modular energy system 2000 may include housings configured to receive and hold modules 2001, as shown in Figure 3. The modular energy system 2000 may also include a variety of different components or accessories that can be connected to or otherwise associated with modules 2001. In yet another embodiment, the modular energy system 2000 may be embodied as a generator module 140 of the surgical hub 106 (Figure 3). In yet another embodiment, the modular energy system 2000 may be a system separate from the surgical hub 106. In this embodiment, the modular energy systems 2000 may be connectable to the surgical hub 206 in a communicative manner for transmitting and / or receiving data between them.

[0067] The modular energy system 2000 can be assembled from various different modules 2001, some examples of which are shown in Figure 6. Each of the different types of modules 2001 can provide a different function, thereby allowing the modular energy system 2000 to be assembled into different configurations and thus the functions and capabilities of the modular energy system 2000 to be customized by customizing the modules 2001 included in each modular energy system 2000. The modules 2001 of the modular energy system 2000 may include, for example, a header module 2002 (which may 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 topmost module in the modular energy system stack and therefore may lack connectors along its top surface. In another embodiment, the header module 2002 may be configured to be located at the bottom of the modular energy system stack or to be the bottommost module and therefore may lack connectors along its bottom surface. In yet another embodiment, the header module 2002 may be configured to be positioned in an intermediate location within the modular energy system stack and therefore may include connectors along both its bottom and top surfaces. The header module 2002 may be configured to control system-wide settings for each module 2001 and its connected components through a physical control unit 2011 on the header module 2002 and / or through a graphical user interface (GUI) 2008 displayed on a display screen 2006. Such settings may include the startup of the modular energy system 2000, the volume setting of warnings, the settings of footswitches, setting icons, the appearance or configuration of the user interface, the 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 to module 2001 connected to the header module 2002. The energy module 2004, also referred to as generator module 140 (Figure 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 energy module 2004). The visualization module 2042 may be configured to interface with a visualization device (i.e., a scope) and thus can provide enhanced visualization capabilities.

[0068] The modular energy system 2000 may further include various accessories 2029 that are connectable to module 2001 to control the functions of module 2001, or otherwise configured to function in conjunction with the modular energy system 2000. Examples of accessories 2029 may include a single-pedal footswitch 2032, a dual-pedal footswitch 2034, and a cart 2030 for supporting the modular energy system 2000. Footswitches 2032 and 2034 may be configured, for example, to control the activation or function of specific energy modalities output by energy module 2004.

[0069] By utilizing modular components, the illustrated modular energy system 2000 provides a surgical platform that grows with the availability of technology and can be customized to the needs of facilities and / or surgeons. Furthermore, the modular energy system 2000 supports combo devices (e.g., electrosurgical and ultrasonic energy dual generators) and software-driven algorithms for customized effects on tissue. Moreover, the surgical system architecture reduces the footprint of capital equipment by combining multiple technologies crucial for surgical procedures into a single system.

[0070] Various modular components available in connection with the modular energy system 2000 may include unipolar energy generators, bipolar energy generators, dual electrosurgical / ultrasonic energy generators, display screens, and various other modules and / or other components, some of which are also described above in relation to Figures 1 to 3.

[0071] Referring here to Figure 7A, the header module 2002 may, in some embodiments, include a display screen 2006 that displays a GUI 2008 for relaying information about the module 2001 connected to the header module 2002. In some embodiments, the GUI 2008 on the display screen 2006 can provide an integrated control point for all the module 2001 constituting a particular configuration of the modular energy system 2000. Various embodiments of the GUI 2008 are discussed below in more detail with reference to Figure 12. In alternative embodiments, the header module 2002 may lack a display screen 2006, or the display screen 2006 may be detachably connected to the housing 2010 of the header module 2002. In such embodiments, the header module 2002 may be communicably coupled to an external system configured to display information generated by the module 2001 of the modular energy system 2000. For example, in a robotic surgery application, the modular energy system 2000 may be communicatively coupled to a robotic cart or robotic control console, which is configured to display information generated by the modular energy system 2000 to the operator of the robotic surgery system. In another example, the modular energy system 2000 may be communicatively coupled to a mobile display, which is carried by or attached to the surgical staff so that information can be viewed on the mobile display. In yet another example, the modular energy system 2000 may be communicatively coupled to another computer system which may include a surgical hub 2100 or a display 2104, as shown in Figure 11.In embodiments utilizing a user interface that is separate from or otherwise distinguishable 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 modules 2001 thereon, so that the user interface can display information from the modules 2001 connected thereon.

[0072] Referring further to Figure 7A, the energy module 2004 may include a port assembly 2012 containing a number of different ports, each configured to deliver different energy modalities to corresponding surgical instruments that can be connected to each port. In the particular embodiments shown in Figures 6–12, the port assembly 2012 includes a bipolar port 2014, a first unipolar port 2016a, a second unipolar port 2016b, a neutral port 2018 (to which a unipolar return pad can be connected), and a combined 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.

[0073] 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, Figures 7A and 7B show a first exemplary configuration of the modular energy system 2000, which includes a header module 2002 (including a display screen 2006) and an energy module 2004 connected together. Such a configuration may be suitable, for example, for laparoscopic and open surgical procedures.

[0074] Figure 8A shows a second exemplary configuration of the modular energy system 2000, which includes a header module 2002 (including a display screen 2006) connected together, a first energy module 2004a, and a second energy module 2004b. By stacking the two energy modules 2004a and 2004b, the modular energy system 2000 can provide a pair of port assemblies 2012a and 2012b for extending the array of energy modalities deliverable from the first configuration by the modular energy system 2000. Thus, the second configuration of the modular energy system 2000 can accommodate two or more bipolar / unipolar electrosurgical instruments, three or more bipolar / unipolar electrosurgical instruments, and so on. Such a configuration may be particularly suitable for complex laparoscopic and open surgical procedures. Figure 8B shows a third exemplary configuration similar to the second configuration, except that the header module 2002 lacks the display screen 2006. As described above, this configuration may be suitable for robotic surgery applications or mobile display applications.

[0075] Figure 9 shows a fourth exemplary configuration of the modular energy system 2000, which includes a header module 2002 (including a display screen 2006) connected together, a first energy module 2004a, a second energy module 2004b, and a technology module 2040. Such a configuration may be particularly suitable for surgical applications requiring complex or computationally intensive control algorithms. Alternatively, the technology module 2040 may be a newly published module that complements or extends the functionality of a previously published module (such as energy module 2004).

[0076] Figure 10 shows a fifth exemplary configuration of the modular energy system 2000, which includes a header module 2002 (including a display screen 2006) connected together, a first energy module 2004a, a second energy module 2004b, a technology module 2040, and a visualization module 2042. Such a configuration may be suitable for endoscopic procedures by providing a dedicated surgical display 2044 for relaying video feeds from a scope coupled to the visualization module 2042. It should be noted that the configurations shown in Figures 7A to 11 and described above are provided merely to illustrate various concepts of the modular energy system 2000 and should not be interpreted as limiting the modular energy system 2000 to any particular configuration described above.

[0077] As described above, the modular energy system 2000 may be communicatively coupled to an external system such as a surgical hub 2100, as shown in Figure 11. Such an external system may include a display screen 2104 for displaying visual feeds 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 for analyzing data generated or provided by the modular energy system 2000 in other ways, for controlling the 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 the operation between multiple modular energy systems 2000 and / or other surgical systems (e.g., visualization system 108 and / or robotic system 110, as described in relation to Figures 1 and 2).

[0078] Next, referring to Figure 12, in some embodiments, the header module 2002 may include or support a display 2006 configured to display the GUI 2008 as described above. In addition to displaying information, the display screen 2006 may include a touchscreen for receiving input from the user. The control units displayed on the GUI 2008 may correspond to module(s) 2001 connected to the header module 2002. In some embodiments, different parts or areas of the GUI 2008 may correspond to specific modules 2001. For example, a first part or area of ​​the GUI 2008 may correspond to a first module, and a second part or area of ​​the GUI 2008 may correspond to a second module. When different and / or additional modules 2001 are connected to the modular energy system stack, the GUI 2008 may be configured to correspond to different and / or additional control units for each newly added module 2001, or to remove the control units of each module 2001 that is removed. Each portion of the display corresponding to a specific module connected to the header module 2002 can display the control unit, data, user prompts, and / or other information corresponding to that module. For example, in Figure 12, the first or upper portion 2052 of the illustrated GUI 2008 displays the control unit 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 2056a corresponding to a bipolar port 2014, a second widget 2056b corresponding to a first unipolar port 2016a, a third widget 2056c corresponding to a second unipolar port 2016b, and a fourth widget 2056d corresponding to a combined energy port 2020.Each of these widgets 2056a to 2056d provides a control unit for controlling data related to the corresponding port of the widget in the port assembly 2012, and the mode and other features of the energy modality delivered by the energy module 2004 through each port of the port assembly 2012. For example, widgets 2056a to 2056d may be configured to display the power level of a surgical instrument connected to their respective ports, and to change the operating mode of a surgical instrument connected to their respective ports (e.g., changing a surgical instrument from a first power level to a second power level, and / or changing a unipolar surgical instrument from "spray" mode to "blend" mode).

[0079] In one embodiment, the header module 2002 may include various physical control units 2011 in addition to or instead of the GUI 2008. Such physical control units 2011 may include, for example, power buttons that control the activation of each module 2001 connected to the header module 2002 in the modular energy system 2000. Alternatively, the power buttons may be displayed as part of the GUI 2008. Thus, the header module 2002 can function as a single point of contact, eliminating the need to individually activate and deactivate each individual module 2001 that makes up the modular energy system 2000.

[0080] In one embodiment, the header module 2002 can display still images, videos, moving images, and / or information associated with the surgical module 2001 on which the modular energy system 2000 is constructed, or with a surgical device communicatively coupled to the modular energy system 2000. Still images and / or videos displayed by the header module 2002 can be received from an endoscope or another visualization device communicatively coupled to the modular energy system 2000. Moving images and / or information in GUI2008 can be overlaid on or adjacent to the image or video feed.

[0081] In one embodiment, modules 2001 other than the header module 2002 can similarly be configured to relay information to the user. For example, the energy module 2004 may include optical assemblies 2015 arranged around each of the ports of the port assembly 2012. The optical assemblies 2015 can be configured to relay information about the ports to the user according to their color or state (e.g., blinking). For example, the optical assemblies 2015 can change from a first color to a second color when a plug is fully seated in each port. In one embodiment, the color or state of the optical assemblies 2015 may be controlled by the header module 2002. For example, the header module 2002 can cause the optical assembly 2015 of each port to display a color corresponding to the port color display on the GUI 2008.

[0082] Figure 13 is a block diagram of a standalone hub configuration of the modular energy system 3000 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, and Figure 14 is a block diagram of a hub configuration of the modular energy system 3000 integrated with a surgical control system 3010 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the modular energy system 3000 may be used as a standalone unit or integrated with a surgical control system 3010 that controls and / or receives data from one or more surgical hub units. In the embodiments shown in Figures 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 aspects, the header module and the UI module may be provided as separate components that are communicably coupled via a data bus 3008.

[0083] As shown in Figure 13, an example of a 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 send various commands to the energy module 3004 through the data interface 3008. Such commands may 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.

[0084] In Figure 14, the surgical hub configuration includes a modular energy system 3000 integrated with a control system 3010, and, in particular, an interface system 3022 for managing data and power transmission to and from the modular energy system 3000. The modular energy system shown in Figure 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). In addition, 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 embodiment, 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 via a power interface 3006 and a data interface 3008. This configuration allows the modular energy system 3000 to be expanded by seamlessly connecting additional energy modules to the energy modules 3004 and 3012 already connected to the integrated header / UI module 3002, without requiring dedicated power and energy interfaces within the integrated header / UI module 3002.

[0085] A system control unit 3024, which may be referred to herein as a control circuit, control logic, microprocessor, microcontroller, logic, 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.

[0086] As will be described in more detail below, the energy modules 3004, 3012 are connectable to a hub and can be configured to generate electrosurgical energy (e.g., bipolar or unipolar), ultrasonic energy, or a combination thereof (referred to herein as “high-energy” modules) for various energy surgical instruments. Generally, the energy modules 3004, 3012 include a hardware / software interface, an ultrasonic controller, a high-energy RF controller, a bipolar RF controller, and a control algorithm executed by a controller that receives the output from the controllers and controls the operation of the various energy modules 3004, 3012 accordingly. In various aspects of this disclosure, the controller described herein may be implemented as a control circuit, control logic, microprocessor, microcontroller, logic, or FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0087] Figures 15–17 are block diagrams of various modular energy systems connected together to form a hub, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. Figures 15–17 show various diagrams (e.g., circuit diagrams or control diagrams) of the hub module. The modular energy system 3000 includes, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of energy modules 3004 (Figure 16) and 3012 (Figure 17), a header module 3150 (Figure 17), a UI module 3030 (Figure 15), and a communication module 3032 (Figure 15). 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 mounted on 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 be slightly moved 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.

[0088] In some embodiments, various hub modules may include optical conduits around physical ports for communicating instrument status, and may also connect on-screen elements to corresponding instruments. Optical conduits are an example of illumination technology that can be used to alert the user to the status of surgical instruments attached to / connected to physical ports. In one embodiment, the user is instructed to connect a surgical instrument to a physical port by illuminating the physical port with a specific light. In another embodiment, the user is alerted to an error related to an existing connection with a surgical instrument by illuminating the physical port with a specific light.

[0089] Referring to Figure 15, a block diagram of a user interface (UI) module 3030 coupled to a communication module 3032 via a pass-through hub connector 3034 is shown, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The UI module 3030 is provided as a separate component from a header module 3150 (shown in Figure 17) and may be communicatively coupled to the header module 3150 via the communication 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 functions such as system configuration (e.g., language selection, module association, etc.). The UI processor 3040 may be a processor or system-on-module (SOM) that runs a framework such as Qt, .NET WPF, or a web server.

[0090] In the example shown, the UI module 3030 includes a touchscreen 3046, a liquid crystal display 3048 (LCD), 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 is interfaced to a communication module 3032 via a switch 3042 coupled to a pass-through hub connector 3034, and is configured to receive, process, and transfer data from a source device to a destination device and to control data communication between them. DC power is supplied to the UI module 3030 via a DC / DC converter module 3054. The DC power passes through the pass-through hub connector 3034 and is delivered to the communication module 3032 via a power bus 3006. The data is passed through the pass-through hub connector 3034 and then through the data bus 3008 to the communication module 3032. Switches 3042 and 3056 receive, process, and transfer data from the source device to the destination device.

[0091] Continuing with Figure 15, the communication module 3032, and various surgical hubs and / or surgical systems, may include a gateway 3058 configured to shuttle selective traffic (i.e., data) between two different networks (e.g., an internal network and / or a hospital network) running different protocols. The communication module 3032 includes a first pass-through hub connector 3036 for coupling the communication module 3032 to other modules. In the example shown, the communication module 3032 is coupled to the UI module 3030. The communication module 3032 is coupled to other modules (e.g., an energy module) via a second pass-through hub connector 3038, and coupled to other modules via a switch 3056 located between the first pass-through hub connector 3036 and the second pass-through hub connector 3038, configured to receive, process, and transfer data from a source device to a destination device and control data communication between them. Switch 3056 is also coupled with gateway 3058 to communicate information between the external communication port and the UI module 3030 and other connected modules. Gateway 3058 may be coupled with various communication modules, such as Ethernet module 3060, Universal Serial Bus (USB) module 3062, WiFi module 3064, and Bluetooth module 3066, for example, to communicate with a hospital or other local network. The communication module may be a physical board located within communication module 3032, or it may be a port coupled to a remote communication board.

[0092] In some embodiments, all modules (i.e., removable hardware) are controlled by a single UI module 3030, which is mounted on or integrated with the header module. Figure 17 shows a standalone header module 3150 to which the UI module 3030 can be mounted. Figures 13, 14, and 18 show an integrated header / UI module 3002. Returning to Figure 15, in various embodiments, by integrating all 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).

[0093] Referring to Figure 16, a block diagram of an energy module 3004 according to at least one aspect of this disclosure is shown. A communication module 3032 (Figure 15) is coupled to the energy module 3004 via a second pass-through hub connector 3038 of the communication 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 a second energy module 3012 shown in Figure 17, via a second pass-through hub connector 3078. Returning to Figure 16, a switch 3076, positioned between the first pass-through hub connector 3074 and the second pass-through hub connector 3078, receives, processes, and transfers data from a source device to a destination device and controls data communication between them. 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.

[0094] DC power is received and transmitted by energy module 3004 via power bus 3006. Power bus 3006 is coupled to DC / DC converter module 3138 to power adjustable regulators 3084, 3107 and isolated DC / DC converter ports 3096, 3112, 3132.

[0095] In one embodiment, the energy module 3004 may include an ultrasonic broadband amplifier 3086, which in one embodiment may be a linear class H amplifier capable of generating arbitrary waveforms at low total harmonic distortion (THD) levels and may drive harmonic transducers. The ultrasonic broadband amplifier 3086 is supplied by a step-down adjustable regulator 3084 to maximize efficiency and controlled by a controller 3082, which may be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP) via a direct digital synthesizer (DDS). The DDS may be embedded in the DSP or implemented in a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The controller 3082 controls the ultrasonic broadband amplifier 3086 via a digital-to-analog converter 3106 (DAC). The output of the ultrasonic broadband amplifier 3086 is supplied to an ultrasonic power transformer 3088, which is coupled to the ultrasonic energy output portion of the high energy receiving unit 3100. The ultrasonic voltage (V) and current (I) feedback (FB) signals, which can be used to calculate ultrasonic impedance, are fed back to the controller 3082 through the input portion of the high energy receiving unit 3100 via the ultrasonic VI FB transformer 3092. The ultrasonic voltage and current feedback signals are routed back to the controller 3082 via the analog-to-digital converter 3102 (A / D). Also coupled to the controller 3082 through the high energy receiving unit 3100 are an isolated DC / DC converter port 3096 that receives DC power from the power bus 3006, and a medium-bandwidth data port 3098.

[0096] In one embodiment, the energy module 3004 may include a broadband RF power amplifier 3108, which in one embodiment is a linear class H amplifier capable of generating arbitrary waveforms and driving an RF load within a range of output frequencies. The broadband RF power amplifier 3108 is supplied by a buck regulator 3107 that is adjustable to maximize efficiency and controlled by a controller 3082, which may be implemented as a DSP via a DDS. The DDS may be embedded in the DSP, for example, or implemented in an FPGA. The controller 3082 controls the broadband RF amplifier 3086 via a DAC 3122. The output of the broadband RF power amplifier 3108 may be supplied through an RF select relay 3124. The RF select relay 3124 is configured to receive the output signal of the broadband RF power amplifier 3108 and selectively transmit it to various other components of the energy module 3004. In one embodiment, the output signal of the broadband RF power amplifier 3108 may be supplied via the RF selection relay 3124 to an RF power transformer 3110 coupled to the RF output portion of the bipolar RF energy receiver 3118. Bipolar RF voltage (V) and current (I) feedback (FB) signals, which can be used to calculate the RF impedance, are fed back to the controller 3082 via the RF VI FB transformer 3114 and the input portion of the bipolar RF energy receiver 3118. The RF voltage and current feedback signals are routed back to the controller 3082 via the A / D converter 3120. Also coupled to the controller 3082 via the bipolar RF energy receiver 3118 are an isolated DC / DC converter port 3112 for receiving DC power from the power bus 3006 and a low-bandwidth data port 3116.

[0097] As described above, in one embodiment, the energy module 3004 may include an RF select relay 3124 driven by a controller 3082 (e.g., an FPGA) at a rated coil current for operation, and may also be set to a lower holding current via pulse width modulation (PWM) to limit steady-state power dissipation. Switching of the RF select relay 3124 is achieved by a force induction (safety) relay, and the state of the contact is sensed by the controller 3082 as a mitigation of any single fault condition. In one embodiment, the RF select relay 3124 is configured to be in a first state, and an output RF signal received from an RF source such as a broadband RF power amplifier 3108 is transmitted to a first component of the energy module 3004, such as an RF power transformer 3110 of a bipolar energy receiving unit 3118. In a second embodiment, the RF selection relay 3124 is configured to be in a second state, and the output RF signal received from an RF source, such as a broadband RF power amplifier 3108, is transmitted to a second component, such as an RF power transformer 3128 of a unipolar energy receiving unit 3136, which is described in more detail below. In a typical embodiment, the RF selection relay 3124 is driven by a controller 3082 and configured to switch between a number 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 units of the energy module 3004.

[0098] As described above, the output of the broadband RF power amplifier 3108 can also be supplied to the broadband RF power transformer 3128 of the RF unipolar receiving unit 3136 via the RF selection relay 3124. Unipolar RF voltage (V) and current (I) feedback (FB) signals, which can be used to calculate the RF impedance, are fed back to the controller 3082 through the input portion of the unipolar RF energy receiving unit 3136 via the RF VI FB transformer 3130. The RF voltage and current feedback signals are routed back to the controller 3082 via the A / D 3126. Also coupled to the controller 3082 through the unipolar RF energy receiving unit 3136 are the isolated DC / DC converter port 3132, which receives DC power from the power bus 3006, and the low-bandwidth data port 3134.

[0099] The output of the broadband RF power amplifier 3108 can also be supplied to the broadband RF power transformer 3090 of the advanced energy receiving unit 3100 via the RF selection relay 3124. RF voltage (V) and current (I) feedback (FB) signals, which can be used to calculate the RF impedance, are fed back to the controller 3082 through the input portion of the advanced energy receiving unit 3100 via the RF VI FB transformer 3094. The RF voltage and current feedback signals are routed back to the controller 3082 via the A / D converter 3104.

[0100] Figure 17 is a block diagram of a second energy module 3012 coupled to a header module 3150 according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The first energy module 3004 shown in Figure 16 is coupled to the second energy module 3012 shown in Figure 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 aspect, the second energy module 3012 may be an energy module similar to the first energy module 3004, as shown in Figure 17. In another aspect, the second energy module 2012 may be a different energy module from the first energy module, such as the energy module shown in Figure 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.

[0101] The second energy module 3012 is coupled to the header module 3150 by connecting its pass-through hub connector 3078 to the pass-through hub connector 3152 of the header module 3150. In one embodiment, the header module 3150 may include a header processor 3158 configured to manage a power button function 3166, software upgrades via an upgrade USB module 3162, system time management, and a gateway to an external network (i.e., a hospital or 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 transfer data from a source device to a destination device and to control data communication between them. The header processor 3158 is also coupled to an OTS power supply 3156 coupled to a trunk power input module 3154.

[0102] Figure 18 is a block diagram of a header / user interface (UI) module 3002 for a hub such as the header module shown in Figure 15, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The header / UI module 3002 includes a header power module 3172, a header wireless 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 standby processor module 3184, and a header footswitch module 3186. These functional modules interact to provide the header / UI 3002 functionality. The header / UI controller 3170 controls the communication between each of the functional modules and includes safety limit control logic modules 3230, 3232 coupled between the header / UI controller 3170 and an isolated communication module 3234 coupled to the header footswitch module 3186. A security coprocessor 3188 is coupled to the header / UI controller 3170.

[0103] The header power module 3172 includes a mainline power input module 3190 coupled to the OTS power supply unit 3192 (PSU). Low-voltage DC (e.g., 5V) standby power is supplied from the OTS PSU 3192 to the header / UI module 3002 and other modules via the low-voltage power bus 3198. High-voltage DC (e.g., 60V) is supplied from the OTS PSU 3192 to the header / UI module 3002 via the high-voltage bus 3200. High-voltage DC is supplied to the DC / DC converter module 3196 and the isolated DC / DC converter module 3236. The standby processor 3204 of the header / standby module 3184 provides the PSU / enable signal 3202 to the OTS PSU 3192.

[0104] The 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 using cables, and the WiFi module 3212 provides high-speed access to networks such as the internet and can be used to create a wireless network that can connect 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.

[0105] The header USB module 3176 includes a USB port 3216 coupled to the header / UI controller 3170. The USB module 3176 provides a standard cable connection interface for modules and other electronic devices via short-range digital data communication. The USB module 3176 enables modules, including USB devices, to connect to each other via USB cables and transfer digital data.

[0106] The header audio / screen module 3178 includes a touchscreen 3220 coupled to a touch controller 3218. The touch controller 3218 is coupled to a header / UI controller 3170 to read input from the touchscreen 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.

[0107] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 provides a touchscreen 3220 user interface configured to control one control unit or a module connected to the header module 3002 within the modular energy system 3000. The touchscreen 3220 can be used to maintain a single access point for the user to adjust all modules connected within the modular energy system 3000. Additional hardware modules (e.g., a smoke extraction 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.

[0108] Furthermore, the user touchscreen 3220 can provide access to the settings of modules installed in the modular energy system 3000. Additionally, the arrangement of the user interface LCD display 3224 can be configured to vary according to the number and type of modules connected to the header / UI module 3002. For example, a first user interface can be displayed on the LCD display 3224 for a first application where one energy module and one smoke extraction module are connected to the header / UI module 3002, and a second user interface can be displayed on the LCD display 3224 for a second application where two energy modules are connected to the header / UI module 3002. Furthermore, the user interface can change its display on the LCD display 3224 when modules are connected to and disconnected from the modular energy system 3000.

[0109] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 provides a user interface LCD display 3224 configured to display on a colored LCD display, corresponding to port illumination. In one embodiment, the coloring of the LED lights around the fixture panel and its corresponding ports is the same or corresponds to each other in other ways. Each color can convey a specific meaning, for example. In this way, the user can quickly determine which fixture the instruction refers to and the nature of the instruction. Furthermore, instructions regarding a fixture can be represented by a change in the color of the LED lights arranged around its corresponding port and the coloring of the module. In addition, the alignment of messages and hardware / software ports on the screen can also serve to convey that action must be taken on the hardware, not on the interface. In various embodiments, all other fixtures can be used while a warning is occurring on another fixture. This allows the user to quickly determine which fixture the instruction refers to and the nature of the instruction.

[0110] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 provides a user interface screen configured to display on an LCD display 3224 to present treatment options to the user. In one embodiment, the user interface may be configured to present the user with a set of options (e.g., arranged from broad 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.

[0111] The treatment options may include, for example, a list of factory-configured options categorized by specialty, treatment, and treatment type. Once the user has completed their selection, the header module can be configured to set any connected instrument to the pre-configured settings for that particular treatment. The treatment options may also include, for example, a list of surgeons, followed by specialty, treatment, and type. Once the user has completed their selection, the system can suggest the surgeon's preferred instruments and configure those instruments according to the surgeon's preferences (i.e., a profile associated with each surgeon that remembers the surgeon's preferences).

[0112] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 provides a user interface screen configured to display important fixture settings on an LCD display 3224. In one embodiment, each fixture panel displayed on the user interface LCD display 3224 corresponds in arrangement and content to a fixture plugged into the modular energy system 3000. When a user taps a panel, it can be expanded to reveal additional settings and options for that particular fixture and the rest of the screen, while the rest of the screen can be, for example, dimmed or otherwise not highlighted.

[0113] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 provides a fixture setting panel of a user interface configured to include / display a fixture-specific control unit, allowing the user to increase or decrease its output intensity, switch specific functions, pair it with a system accessory such as a foot switch connected to the header foot switch module 3186, access advanced fixture settings, and find additional information about the fixture. In one embodiment, the user can tap / select the “Advanced Settings” control unit to expand the advanced settings drawer displayed on the user interface LCD display 3224. In another embodiment, the user can then tap / select an icon in the upper right corner of the fixture setting panel or tap anywhere outside the panel, and the panel shrinks to its original state. In these embodiments, the user interface is configured to display only the most important fixture settings, such as power level and power mode, on the LCD display 3224 on the ready / home screen of each fixture panel. This is to maximize the size and readability of the system from a distance. In some embodiments, the panel and the settings within it can be scaled proportionally to the number of fixtures connected to the system to further improve readability. As more devices are connected, the panel scales to accommodate more information.

[0114] The header network module 3180 includes multiple network interfaces 3264, 3266, and 3268 (e.g., Ethernet) for networking 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.

[0115] 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 checking whether current flows through a conduction loop 3206. The continuity test is performed by placing a small voltage across the continuity loop 3206. The serial bus 3208 couples the standby processor 3204 to a backplane connector 3182.

[0116] The header footswitch module 3186 includes a controller 3240, each coupled to multiple analog footswitch ports 3254, 3256, and 3258 via multiple corresponding presence / ID and switch state modules 3242, 3244, and 3246. The controller 3240 is also coupled to an auxiliary port 3260 via a presence / ID and switch state 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 a header / UI controller 3170 via an isolated communications module 3234, as well as a first safety limit control module 3230 and a second safety limit control module 3232. The header footswitch module 3186 also includes a DC / DC converter module 3238.

[0117] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 provides a user interface screen configured to be displayed on an LCD display 3224 for controlling a foot switch connected to one of the analog foot switch ports 3254, 3256, or 3258. In some embodiments, when a user plugs into one of the analog foot switch ports 3254, 3256, or 3258 in a fixture that cannot be manually activated, the fixture panel appears with a warning icon next to the foot switch icon. Since the fixture cannot be activated without using the foot switch, the fixture settings may be grayed out, for example.

[0118] When a user plugs a footswitch into one of the analog footswitch ports 3254, 3256, or 3258 within the footswitch, a pop-up appears indicating that the footswitch is assigned to that device. The footswitch icon indicates that the footswitch is plugged into and assigned to a device. The user can then tap / select on the icon to assign, reassign, unassign, or otherwise change the settings associated with that footswitch. In these embodiments, the system is configured to use logic to automatically assign footswitches to devices that are not manually activated, thereby allowing single or dual-pedal footswitches to be further assigned to appropriate devices. If the user wishes to manually assign / reassign footswitches, there are two flows available.

[0119] In one embodiment, 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), a footswitch assignment overlay appears and the contents of the fixture module dim. A realistic representation (e.g., photographic) of each mounted footswitch (dual or single pedal) is displayed at the bottom if not assigned to a fixture, or appears on the corresponding fixture panel. Thus, the user can drag and drop these illustrations between the boxed icons in the footswitch assignment overlay to assign, unassign, and reassign footswitches to their respective fixtures.

[0120] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 provides a user interface screen displayed on the LCD display 3224 that indicates automatic foot switch assignment according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. As discussed above, the modular energy system 3000 can be configured to automatically assign foot switches to appliances that do not require manual activation. In some embodiments, the header / UI module 3002 can be configured to correlate colors displayed on the user interface LCD display 3224 with the light of the module itself, as a means of tracking physical ports using user interface elements.

[0121] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to represent various applications of a user interface having a different number of modules connected to a modular energy system 3000. In various embodiments, the overall layout or proportion of user interface elements displayed on the LCD display 3224 may be based on the number and type of devices plugged into the header / UI module 3002. These expandable graphics can provide a means of utilizing more of the screen for better visibility.

[0122] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to display a user interface screen on the LCD display 3224 to indicate which ports of the modules connected to the modular energy system 3000 are active. In some embodiments, 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 embodiment, ports may be represented by color when active (e.g., yellow for unipolar tissue cutting, blue for bipolar tissue coagulation, blue for bipolar tissue cutting, and warm white for high-energy tissue cutting). Furthermore, the displayed color may match the color of the optical tubing around the port. The coloring may further indicate that the user cannot change the settings of other devices while the device is active. As another example, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to indicate the bipolar, unipolar, and ultrasonic ports of a first energy module as active, and the unipolar port of a second energy module as active.

[0123] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to display a user interface screen on the LCD display 3224 for displaying a global settings menu. In another embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to display a menu on the LCD display 3224 for controlling overall settings across any module connected to the modular energy system 3000. The global settings menu may be displayed in a consistently location, for example (e.g., always available in the upper right corner of the main screen).

[0124] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to display a user interface screen on an LCD display 3224 configured to prevent changes to settings while a surgical instrument is in use. In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to prevent changes to settings 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 embodiment, the user opens the bipolar setting while unipolar coagulation is active. In one embodiment, the settings menu can then be used once activation is complete. In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured not to overlay any menus or other information across a dedicated area for displaying important instrument information in order to maintain the display of important information.

[0125] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to show a user interface screen on an LCD display 3224 configured to display instrument errors. In one embodiment, 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 surgery without having to stop the surgery and debug the instrument.

[0126] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to display a user interface screen on an LCD display 3224 for displaying different modes or settings available for various instruments. In various embodiments, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to display a setting menu appropriate for the type or application of the surgical instrument(s) connected to the stack / hub. Each setting menu may provide options such as different power levels and energy delivery profiles appropriate for a particular instrument type. In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to display different modes available for bipolar cutting, unipolar cutting, and unipolar coagulation applications.

[0127] In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to display a user interface screen on an LCD display 3224 for displaying pre-selected settings. In one embodiment, the header / UI module 3002 may be configured to receive instrument / device setting selections before they are plugged into instruments, 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 faintly to indicate that a setting has been made, but no instrument is plugged into that port.

[0128] Figure 19 is a block diagram of an energy module 3270 of a hub, such as the energy modules shown in Figures 13, 14, 16, and 17, according to at least one aspect of the present disclosure. The energy module 3270 is configured to be coupled to a header module, a header / UI module, and other energy modules via a first pass-through hub connector 3272 and a second pass-through hub connector 3276. A switch 3076, located between the first pass-through hub connector 3272 and the second pass-through hub connector 3276, receives, processes, and transfers data from a source device to a destination device and controls data communication between them. 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.

[0129] DC power is received and transmitted via power bus 3006 by energy module 3270. Power bus 3006 is coupled to DC / DC converter module 3138 to power adjustable regulators 3084, 3107 and isolated DC / DC converter ports 3096, 3112, 3132.

[0130] In one embodiment, the energy module 3270 may include an ultrasonic broadband amplifier 3086, which in one embodiment may be a linear class H amplifier capable of generating arbitrary waveforms at low total harmonic distortion (THD) levels and may drive harmonic transducers. The ultrasonic broadband amplifier 3086 is supplied by a step-down adjustable regulator 3084 to maximize efficiency and controlled by a controller 3082, which may be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP) via a direct digital synthesizer (DDS). The DDS may be embedded in the DSP or implemented in a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The controller 3082 controls the ultrasonic broadband amplifier 3086 via a digital-to-analog converter 3106 (DAC). The output of the ultrasonic broadband amplifier 3086 is supplied to an ultrasonic power transformer 3088, which is coupled to the ultrasonic energy output portion of the high energy receiving unit 3100. Ultrasonic voltage (V) and current (I) feedback (FB) signals, which can be used to calculate ultrasonic impedance, are fed back to the controller 3082 through the input portion of the high energy receiving unit 3100 via the ultrasonic VI FB transformer 3092. The ultrasonic voltage and current feedback signals are routed back to the controller 3082 through the analog multiplexer 3280 and the dual analog-to-digital converter 3278 (A / D). In one embodiment, the dual A / D 3278 has a sampling rate of 80 MSPS. Also coupled to the controller 3082 through the high energy receiving unit 3100 are an isolated DC / DC converter port 3096 that receives DC power from the power bus 3006, and a medium-bandwidth data port 3098.

[0131] In one embodiment, the energy module 3270 may include, among other things, a plurality of broadband RF power amplifiers 3108, 3286, 3288, each of which is a linear class H amplifier capable of generating arbitrary waveforms and driving an RF load within a range of output frequencies. Each of the broadband RF power amplifiers 3108, 3286, 3288 is supplied by a buck regulator 3107 that is adjustable to maximize efficiency and 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 broadband RF power amplifier 3108 via a DAC 3122.

[0132] Unlike the energy modules 3004 and 3012 shown and described in Figures 16 and 17, the energy module 3270 does not include an RF select relay configured to receive the RF output signal from the adjustable buck regulator 3107. In addition, unlike the energy modules 3004 and 3012 shown and described in Figures 16 and 17, the energy module 3270 includes multiple broadband RF power amplifiers 3108, 3286, and 3288 instead of a single RF power amplifier. In one embodiment, the adjustable buck regulator 3107 can switch between multiple states, in which state the adjustable buck regulator 3107 outputs an output RF signal to one of the multiple broadband RF power amplifiers 3108, 3286, and 3288 connected to it. The controller 3082 is configured to switch the adjustable buck regulator 3107 between multiple states. In the first state, the controller drives a buck regulator 3107 that is adjustable to output the RF energy signal to a first broadband RF power amplifier 3108. In the second state, the controller drives a buck regulator 3107 that is adjustable to output the RF energy signal to a second broadband RF power amplifier 3286. In the third state, the controller drives a buck regulator 3107 that is adjustable to output the RF energy signal to a third broadband RF power amplifier 3288.

[0133] The output of the first broadband RF power amplifier 3108 can be supplied to an RF power transformer 3090 coupled to the RF output portion of the advanced energy receiving unit 3100. RF voltage (V) and current (I) feedback (FB) signals, which can be used to calculate the RF impedance, are fed back to the controller 3082 through the input portion of the advanced energy receiving unit 3100 via an RF VI FB transformer 3094. The RF voltage and current feedback signals are routed back to the controller 3082 through the RF VI FB transformer 3094, which is coupled to a dual A / D 3282 coupled to an analog multiplexer 3284 and the controller 3082. In one embodiment, the dual A / D 3282 has a sampling rate of 80 MSPS.

[0134] The output of the second RF broadband power amplifier 3286 is supplied through the RF power transformer 3128 of the RF unipolar receiving unit 3136. Unipolar RF voltage (V) and current (I) feedback (FB) signals, which can be used to calculate the RF impedance, are fed back to the controller 3082 through the input portion of the unipolar RF energy receiving unit 3136 via the RF VI FB transformer 3130. The RF voltage and current feedback signals are routed back to the controller 3082 through the analog multiplexer 3284 and the dual A / D 3282. Also coupled to the controller 3082 through the unipolar RF energy receiving unit 3136 are an isolated DC / DC converter port 3132 that receives DC power from the power bus 3006, and a low-bandwidth data port 3134.

[0135] The output of the third RF broadband power amplifier 3288 is supplied through the RF power transformer 3110 of the bipolar RF receiving unit 3118. Bipolar RF voltage (V) and current (I) feedback (FB) signals, which can be used to calculate the RF impedance, are fed back to the controller 3082 through the input portion of the bipolar RF energy receiving unit 3118 via the RF VI FB transformer 3114. The RF voltage and current feedback signals are routed back to the controller 3082 through the analog multiplexer 3280 and the dual A / D 3278. Also coupled to the controller 3082 through the bipolar RF energy receiving unit 3118 are an isolated DC / DC converter port 3112 that receives DC power from the power bus 3006, and a low-bandwidth data port 3116.

[0136] The contact monitor 3290 is coupled to the NE receiving portion 3292. Power is supplied from the unipolar receiving portion 3136 to the NE receiving portion 3292.

[0137] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 13 to 19, the modular energy system 3000 can be configured to detect the presence of an instrument in the receiving sections 3100, 3118, and 3136 via a photointerrupter, a magnetic sensor, or other non-contact sensor integrated into the receiving sections 3100, 3118, and 3136. This approach avoids the need to assign a dedicated presence pin on the MTD connector for a single purpose, instead enabling the multi-purpose functionality of MTD signal pins 6 to 9 while continuously monitoring the presence of an instrument.

[0138] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 13-19, the modules of the modular energy system 3000 may include optical links that enable high-speed communication (10-50 Mb / sec) across the patient's isolation boundary. These links transmit device communications, relaxation signals (such as watchdog signals), and low-bandwidth runtime data. In some embodiments, the optical link(s) do not include real-time sampling data that can be performed on the non-isolated side.

[0139] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 13 to 19, a module of the modular energy system 3000 may include a multifunction circuit block capable of (i) reading the present resistance value via an A / D and current source, (ii) communicating with legacy instruments via the hand switch Q protocol, (iii) communicating with instruments via the local bus 1-Wire protocol, and (iv) communicating with CAN FD-compatible surgical instruments. When a surgical instrument is properly identified by the energy generator module, the associated pin functions and communication circuits are activated, while other unused functions are disabled and set to a high impedance state.

[0140] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 13-19, a module of the modular energy system 3000 may include an amplifier pulse / stimulus / auxiliary DC amplifier. This is a flexible amplifier based on a full-bridge output and incorporates functional isolation. This allows its differential output to reference any output connection on the applied portion (except, in some embodiments, a unipolar active electrode). The amplifier output may be either small signal linear (pulse / stimulus) with moderate output power for DC applications such as DC motors, lighting, and FET drives, and with waveform drive provided by a DAC or square wave drive. Output voltage and current are sensed by functionally isolated voltage and current feedback to provide accurate impedance and power measurements to the FPGA. Paired with a CAN FD-enabled device, this output can provide motor / motion control drive, while position or velocity feedback is provided by a CAN FD interface for closed-loop control.

[0141] As described in more detail herein, a modular energy system comprises a header module and one or more functional or surgical modules. In various examples, a modular energy system is a modular energy system. In various examples, a surgical module includes an energy module, a communication module, and a user interface module, but a surgical module is assumed to be any suitable type of functional or surgical module for use with a modular energy system.

[0142] Modular energy systems offer many advantages in surgical procedures, as described above in relation to modular energy systems 2000 (Figures 6-12) and 3000 (Figures 13-14). However, cable management and setup / tear-out times can be a major deterrent. Various aspects of this disclosure provide a modular energy system having a single power cable and a single current switch for controlling the startup and shutdown of the entire modular energy system, thereby eliminating the need to individually start and stop each individual module in which the modular energy system is constructed. Furthermore, various aspects of this disclosure provide a modular energy system having a power management scheme that facilitates safety and, in some cases, simultaneous delivery to the modules of the modular energy system.

[0143] In various embodiments, the modular energy system 6000 is similar in many respects to the modular energy systems 2000 (Figures 6-12) and 3000 (Figures 13-14), as shown in Figure 20. For brevity, various details of the modular energy system 6000, which is similar to the modular energy system 2000 and / or the modular energy system 3000, will not be repeated herein.

[0144] The modular energy system 6000 comprises a header module 6002 and "N" surgical modules 6004, where "N" is an integer of 1 or more. In various embodiments, the modular energy system 6000 includes UI modules, such as UI module 3030, and / or communication modules, such as communication module 3032. Furthermore, pass-through hub connectors connect the individual modules to each other in a stacked configuration. In 38 embodiments, the header module 6002 is connected to the surgical modules 6004 via pass-through hub connectors 6005, 6006.

[0145] The modular energy system 6000 features an exemplary power architecture consisting of a single AC / DC power supply 6003 that provides power to all surgical modules within the stacked body. The AC / DC power supply 6003 is housed within a header module 6002 and utilizes a power backplane 6008 to distribute power to each module within the stacked body. The embodiment in 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.

[0146] In the embodiment shown in Figure 20, the power backplane 6008 extends from the header module 6002 through a number of intermediate modules 6004 to the bottommost or furthest module in the stacked body. In various embodiments, the power backplane 6008 is configured to deliver power to surgical modules 6004 through one or more other surgical modules 6004 located further forward in the stacked body. The surgical modules 6004, receiving power from the header module 6002, can be coupled to surgical instruments or tools configured to deliver therapeutic energy to the patient.

[0147] The primary power domain 6009 is the primary power source for the functional module-specific circuits 6013, 6014, and 6015 of modules 6002 and 6004. It consists of a single voltage rail provided to all modules. In at least one embodiment, the nominal voltage of 60V can be selected to be higher than the local rail required by any module, and as a result, the module can implement buck regulating exclusively, which is generally more efficient than boost regulating.

[0148] In various embodiments, the primary power domain 6009 is controlled by the header module 6002. In a particular example, a local power switch 6018 is located on the header module 6002, as shown in Figure 20. In a particular example, a remote on / off interface 6016 may be configured to control, for example, the system power control unit 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 state telemetry signals. In various embodiments, the primary power domain 6009 is configured to distribute power to all modules in a stacked configuration after power-up initiated by the user.

[0149] In various embodiments, as shown in Figure 21, the modules of the modular energy system 6000 can be coupled to a header module 6002 and / or to each other in a communicative manner via a communication (serial bus / Ethernet) interface 6040, so that data or other information is shared by and among the modules that make up the modular energy system. An Ethernet switch domain 6013 can be derived, for example, from a primary power domain 6009. The Ethernet switch power domain 6013 is isolated into a separate power domain so that the primary communication interface 6040 remains operational when local power to a module is removed, and the primary communication interface 6040 is configured to power the Ethernet switches within each of the modules in a stacked configuration. In at least one embodiment, the primary communication interface 6040 comprises a 1000BASE-T Ethernet network, where each module represents a node on the network, and each module downstream of the header module 6002 includes a 3-port Ethernet switch for routing traffic to local modules or for properly passing data upstream or downstream.

[0150] Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the modular energy system 6000 includes a secondary, low-speed, inter-module communication interface for critical power-related functions, including module power sequencing and module power state. The secondary communication interface may be, for example, a multidrop local interconnect network (LIN), where the header module is the master and all downstream modules are slaves.

[0151] In various embodiments, as shown in Figure 20, the standby power domain 6010 is a separate output from the AC / DC power supply 6003, which is always operational when the power source is connected to the main power supply 6020. The standby power domain 6010 is used by all modules in the system to power circuits for relaxed communication interfaces and to control local power to each module. Furthermore, the standby power domain 6010 is configured to provide power to circuits that are important in standby mode, such as on / off command detection, status LEDs, and secondary communication buses.

[0152] In various configurations, as shown in Figure 20, individual surgical modules 6004 lack independent power sources and therefore rely on header modules 6002 to supply power in a stacked configuration. Only header modules 6002 are directly connected to the main power supply 6020. Surgical modules 6004 lack a direct connection to the main power supply 6020 and can only receive power in a stacked configuration. This arrangement improves the safety of 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 the proper operation of the modular energy system 6000, thereby reducing clutter and footprint in the operating room.

[0153] Therefore, in a stacked configuration, surgical instruments connected to the surgical module 6004 of the modular energy system 6000 receive 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.

[0154] 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 to the second surgical module 6004'' through the first surgical module 6004'.

[0155] Energy generated by the AC / DC power supply 6003 of the header module 6002 is transmitted through a segmented power backplane 6008 defined via a modular energy system 6000. In the embodiment of Figure 20, the header module 6002 houses the power backplane segment 6008', the first surgical module 6004' houses the power backplane segment 6008'', and the second surgical module 6004'' houses the power backplane segment 6008'''. In a stacked configuration, the power backplane segment 6008' is detachably coupled to the power backplane segment 6008''. Furthermore, in a stacked configuration, the power backplane 6008'' is detachably coupled to the power backplane segment 6008'''. Thus, energy flows from the AC / DC power supply 6003 to the power backplane segment 6008', then to the power backplane segment 6008'', and then to the power backplane segment 6008''''.

[0156] In the embodiment shown in Figure 20, power backplane segment 6008' is detachably connected to power backplane segment 6008'' via pass-through hub connectors 6005 and 6006 in the stacked configuration. Furthermore, power backplane segment 6008'' is detachably connected to power backplane segment 6008'''' via pass-through hub connectors 6025 and 6056 in the stacked configuration. In certain examples, removing a surgical module from the stacked configuration disconnects its connection to power supply 6003. For example, separating the second surgical module 6004'' from the first surgical module 6004' disconnects power backplane segment 6008' from power backplane segment 6008''. However, as long as header module 6002 and the first surgical module 6004' remain in the stacked configuration, the connection between power backplane segment 6008'' and power backplane segment 6008'' remains intact. Therefore, 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 the second surgical module 6004'' has been cut. Separating the connected modules can be achieved in certain examples simply by pulling the surgical module 6004 apart.

[0157] In the embodiment shown in Figure 20, each of modules 6002 and 6004 includes a relaxed module control 6023 configured to determine the AC state based on the AC state of the AC / DC power supply 6003, based on an AC state signal 6011 transmitted to the relaxed module control 6023 of the module of the modular surgical system 6000. The relaxed module control 6023 is coupled to a corresponding local power adjustment module 6024 configured to adjust the power based on input from the relaxed module control 6023, which can indicate the AC state received by the relaxed module control 6023 for each of the surgical modules.

[0158] The modular energy system 6000 further includes a relaxed communication interface 6021, which includes a segmented communication backplane 6027 extending between relaxed module control units 6023. The segmented communication backplane 6027 is similar in many ways to the segmented power backplane 6008. Relaxed communication between the relaxed module control unit 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 embodiment of Figure 20, the header module 6002 houses the communication backplane segment 6027', the first surgical module 6004' houses the communication backplane segment 6027'', and the second surgical module 6004'' houses the communication backplane segment 6027'''. The communication backplane segment 6027' is detachably coupled to the communication backplane segment 6027'' in a stacked configuration via pass-through hub connectors 6005 and 6006. Furthermore, the communication backplane 6027'' is detachably coupled to the communication backplane segment 6027'' in a stacked configuration via pass-through hub connectors 6025 and 6026.

[0159] The embodiment in Figure 20 shows that the modular energy system 6000 includes, but is not limited to, a header module 6002 and two surgical modules 6004', 6004''. Modular energy systems having more or fewer surgical modules are contemplated by this disclosure. In some embodiments, the modular energy system 6000 includes other modules, such as a communications module 3032 (Figure 15). In some embodiments, the header module 6502 supports a display screen, such as a display 2006 (Figure 7A), which renders a GUI, such as a GUI 2008, for relaying information about the modules connected to the header module 6002. In some embodiments, as described in more detail in relation to the embodiment in Figure 15, the GUI 2008 on the display screen 2006 can provide an aggregated point for controlling all the modules that constitute a particular configuration of the modular energy system.

[0160] Figure 21 shows a simplified schematic diagram of the modular energy system 6000, illustrating the primary communication interface 6040 between the header module 6002 and the surgical module 6004. The primary communication interface 6040 enables communication between the module processors 6041, 6041'', 6041'', of the header module 6002 and the surgical module 6004. Commands generated by the module processor 6041 of the header module are transmitted downstream to the desired functional surgical module 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.

[0161] Furthermore, the primary communication interface 6040 includes a segmented communication backplane 6031 that is in many respects similar to the segmented power backplane 8006. Communication between the header module 6002 and the surgical module 6004 can be achieved via the segmented communication backplane 6031 defined through the modular energy system 6000. In the embodiment of Figure 21, the header module 6002 houses the communication backplane segment 6031', the first surgical module 6004' houses the communication backplane segment 6031'', and the second surgical module 6004'' houses the communication backplane segment 6031'''. The communication backplane segment 6031' is detachably coupled to the communication backplane segment 6031'' in a stacked configuration via pass-through hub connectors 6005, 6006. Furthermore, the communication backplane 6031'' is detachably coupled to the communication backplane segment 6031'' in the stacked configuration via pass-through hub connectors 6025 and 6026.

[0162] In at least one embodiment, as shown in Figure 21, the primary communication interface 6040 is implemented using a DDS framework running on a Gigabit Ethernet interface. Module processors 6041, 6041', 6041'' are connected to Gigabit Ethernet switches 6042, 6042', 6042''. In the embodiment of Figure 21, a segmented communication backplane 6031 connects the Gigabit Ethernet switches 6042 of adjacent modules.

[0163] In various embodiments, as shown in Figure 21, the header module 6002 includes a separate Gigabit Ethernet switch 6043 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.

[0164] Referring to Figure 20, the AC / DC power supply 6003 may provide an AC status signal 6011 indicating the 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 a segmented power backplane 6008 so that each module can tolerate as much time as possible for a graceful shutdown before primary output power is lost. The AC status signal 6011 can be received by relaxed module control 6023 in each module of the modular energy system 6000, for example, communicating with module-specific circuits 6013, 6014, and 6015. In various embodiments, the system power control unit 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.

[0165] Referring to Figures 20 and 21, the primary power inputs to all modules can be merged to ensure that a localized power failure in one of the modules of the modular energy system 6000 does not disable the entire power bus. Furthermore, the Ethernet switch power is isolated to a separate power domain 6013 so that the primary communication interface 6040 remains operational when localized power to the module is removed. In other words, primary power can be removed from and / or diverted from the surgical modules without losing its ability to communicate with the other surgical modules 6004 and / or the header module 6002.

[0166] Radio frequency identification token for wireless surgical instruments Having described the general implementation forms of headers and modules for modular energy systems 2000, 3000, and 6000, this disclosure now describes various other embodiments of modular energy systems. These other modular energy systems are substantially similar to modular energy systems 2000, 3000, and / or 6000. For brevity, various details of the other modular energy systems described in the following sections, which are similar to modular energy systems 2000, 3000, and / or 6000, will not be repeated herein. Any embodiment of the other modular energy systems described below may be incorporated into modular energy systems 2000, 3000, or 6000.

[0167] In various embodiments, the Disclosure provides a modular energy system 2000 and various surgical instruments usable with it, such as surgical instruments 2204, 2206, and 2208, and the Disclosure thereafter moves on to various embodiments of radio frequency identification (RFID) tokens used to initiate pairing of wireless surgical instruments with the modular energy system.

[0168] There is a great opportunity related to wirelessly connecting various surgical instruments to a modular energy system. For example, a surgical instrument may be configured to generate data based on various operating parameters measured during a surgical procedure. By enabling wireless communication between the surgical instrument and the modular energy system, the modular energy system can advantageously capture and display the information it receives, related to the instrument data. This data can be used in various ways. For example, the modular energy system can use the instrument data to control the operational characteristics of the various modules provided in the modular energy system. The surgeon can also use the displayed instrument information to assist in decisions made during a surgical procedure in progress. Furthermore, the manufacturer of the modular energy system can use the instrument data captured by the modular energy system for data analysis.

[0169] However, wireless pairing of modular energy systems with surgical instruments can be cumbersome for users (e.g., surgical staff). The pairing process typically involves pressing buttons on the surgical instrument while navigating through multiple menus in a graphical user interface. Due to this potentially complex process, surgical staff may not be aware of the steps they need to take to wirelessly pair surgical instruments. Furthermore, surgical staff generally have numerous tasks that must be performed before performing a surgical procedure. As a result, surgical staff may forget to wirelessly pair one or more surgical instruments. In addition, if multiple operating rooms within a small area have multiple modular energy systems operating simultaneously, there is a risk associated with inadvertent pairing of surgical instruments to the wrong system.

[0170] In one embodiment, the Disclosure provides a unique radio frequency identification (RFID) “token” used when pairing wireless surgical instruments with a modular energy system. Each wireless surgical instrument can be associated with a unique RFID token. The “token” may be in the form of an RFID card included in the packaging of the surgical instrument. When the RFID card is located near an RFID reader included in the modular energy system, the RFID reader can detect the information stored on the RFID card to indicate which designated surgical instrument the card is associated with. Based on the detected information, the modular energy system initiates a designated wireless pairing process for the surgical instrument. This wireless pairing process includes wirelessly searching for the surgical instrument and displaying illustrated instructions for wirelessly pairing the surgical instrument via a display screen. These instructions may include prompts instructing a user (e.g., surgical staff) to press a button on the surgical instrument, which causes the instrument to enter pairing mode. Once the modular energy system initiates the pairing process and the surgical instrument is in pairing mode, the modular energy system can automatically pair with the surgical instrument. However, pairing several surgical instruments with the modular energy system may require multiple steps. In this case, the modular energy system can display each of the required steps.

[0171] In one embodiment, the RFID reader is located on a display screen of a modular energy system. The display screen may include an RFID symbol indicating the location of the RFID reader. When a user (e.g., surgical staff) holds an RFID card near the RFID reader, the RFID reader initiates a pairing process. This may result in the display screen showing illustrated instructions for wirelessly pairing surgical instruments and causing the header module of the modular energy system to wirelessly locate the instruments.

[0172] In another embodiment, the RFID reader is located within a header module. The header module may include an RFID symbol indicating the location of the RFID reader. When an RFID card is located near the RFID reader, the RFID reader initiates a pairing process. This may include displaying illustrated instructions on a display screen for wirelessly pairing surgical instruments and causing the header module to wirelessly locate the instruments.

[0173] In yet another embodiment, the RFID reader is located in an energy module of a modular energy system. The energy module may include an RFID symbol indicating the location of the RFID reader. When an RFID card is located near the RFID reader, the RFID reader initiates a pairing process. This may include displaying illustrated instructions on a display screen for wirelessly pairing surgical instruments and causing the energy module to wirelessly locate the instruments.

[0174] Additional information may be stored in the RFID card's memory and / or printed on the RFID card. For example, the RFID card may contain batch information for surgical instruments. The user may record this batch information on a patient chart before the patient undergoes a surgical procedure in which the instrument will be used. Furthermore, the RFID card may include printed instructions prompting the user (e.g., surgical staff) to lift the card to an RFID reader (e.g., an RFID on a display screen) to initiate wireless pairing.

[0175] Numerous benefits exist in relation to the various forms of unique RFID tokens disclosed herein. For example, an RFID token acts as a physical signal to a user (e.g., surgical staff) that an instrument can be wirelessly paired with a modular energy system. As discussed above, surgical staff generally have numerous tasks that must be performed before performing a surgical procedure. When preparing surgical instruments for a procedure, surgical staff look at the RFID card included in the packaging of the surgical instruments and are reminded to wirelessly pair the surgical instruments using the modular energy system. Furthermore, the RFID card conveniently includes clear instructions guiding the user to pair the instrument with the system. This signal not only helps the modular energy system to reliably access instrument data during the surgical procedure, but also helps the manufacturer of the modular energy system to reliably access instrument data for data analysis purposes.

[0176] The embodiments of RFID tokens disclosed herein also facilitate the pairing process of wireless devices. Rather than requiring the user to initiate the pairing process through navigation via multiple screens of a graphical user interface, the RFID token automatically initiates the pairing process based on the specific device that needs to be paired with the modular energy system. This is beneficial because the steps of the pairing process may differ from device to device. By recognizing that a device needs to be paired, the modular energy system can explicitly guide the user through the necessary pairing steps via on-screen instructions.

[0177] The embodiments of RFID tokens disclosed herein also ensure that wireless surgical instruments are not accidentally paired with the wrong modular energy system. For example, if there are multiple modular energy systems operating in close proximity to each other, initiating pairing of the instrument by holding a unique RFID card near the RFID reader of a particular modular energy system ensures that the instrument is advantageously and reliably paired only with that modular energy system.

[0178] Figure 22 is a perspective view of a packing 1400 for a wireless surgical instrument capable of pairing based on an RFID token, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The packing 1400 includes a packing container 1402, a surgical instrument 1404, and an RFID card 1406. The surgical instrument 1404 may be, for example, an ultrasonic surgical instrument 2204, an RF electrosurgical instrument 2206, or a multifunctional surgical instrument 2208. Furthermore, the RFID card 1406 is specific to the surgical instrument 1404. The first side 1408 of the RFID card 1406 includes an RFID symbol and an arrow instructing the user to flip the card over to the second side 1410. The second side 1410 of the RFID card 1406 includes instructions for wirelessly pairing the surgical instrument 1404 with a modular energy system, for example, a modular energy system 2000. Specifically, the second side 1408 of the RFID card 1406 includes a visual cue 1412 that instructs the user to lift the card to the modular system's display screen (which has the effect of positioning the card near the RFID reader) to begin pairing, and a visual cue 1414 that instructs the user to follow the instructions on the display screen to complete pairing.

[0179] Figure 23 is a perspective view showing a user holding an RFID card 1406 near the display screen 1424 of a modular energy system 1420. The modular energy system 1420 may be similar to, for example, the modular energy system 2000 disclosed herein. Furthermore, the modular energy system 1420 includes a header module 1422 (e.g., similar to header module 2002) and a display screen 1424 (e.g., similar to display screen 2006). The display screen 1424 includes an RFID symbol 1426 that indicates the location of the RFID reader. Figure 23 illustrates that the user is positioning the RFID card 1406 near the RFID symbol 1426. This action causes the modular energy system 1420 to begin searching for the surgical instrument 1404 for wireless pairing. This action also causes illustrated instructions to be displayed on the display screen 1424 for wirelessly pairing the surgical instrument 1404 with the modular energy system 1420.

[0180] Figure 24 is a perspective view of a display screen 1424 displaying illustrated instructions 1428 for wirelessly pairing a surgical instrument 1404 with a modular energy system 1420. The illustrated instructions 1428 displayed on the display screen 1424 can prompt the user to press a button on the surgical instrument 1404, which will put the instrument into pairing mode. In one embodiment, once the surgical instrument 1404 is in pairing mode, it connects to the modular energy system 1420, and the wireless pairing process is completed. In another embodiment, multiple steps may be required to pair the surgical instrument 1404 with the modular energy system 1420. In this case, the illustrated instructions 1428 can prompt the user to complete each step required to pair the instruments.

[0181] Figure 25 is a block diagram of a modular energy system 1500, including a header / user interface (header / UI) module 1502 equipped with an RFID reader 1510. The RFID reader 1510 includes a transceiver 1514, which is configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals. When an RFID card 1520 is positioned near the RFID reader 1510, a transponder 1522 receives a signal transmitted by the transceiver 1514. This causes the transponder 1522 to send a signal back to the transceiver 1514 based on data stored in the memory 1524 of the RFID card 1520. This data may include, for example, information identifying a surgical instrument associated with the RFID card 1520. Once the transceiver 1514 receives the signal back from the transponder 1522, the RFID controller 1512 decodes the signal and communicates the information with the header / UI controller 1504 to initiate the radio pairing process.

[0182] Figure 26 is a block diagram of a modular energy system 1530, including a display screen 1536 with an RFID reader 1540. Similar to the RFID reader 1510, the RFID reader 1540 includes a transceiver 1544 configured to send and receive radio frequency signals to and from the transponder 1522 of the RFID card 1520. When the transponder 1522 sends a signal back to the transceiver 1544 based on the data stored in the memory 1524 of the RFID card 1520, the RFID controller 1542 decodes the signal and communicates the information with the header / UI controller 1534 to initiate the radio pairing process.

[0183] Figure 27 is a block diagram of a modular energy system 1550, including an energy module 1552 equipped with an RFID reader 1560. Similar to the RFID reader 1510, the RFID reader 1560 includes a transceiver 1564 configured to send and receive radio frequency signals to and from a transponder 1522 of an RFID card 1520. When the transponder 1522 sends a signal back to the transceiver 1564 based on data stored in the memory 1524 of the RFID card 1520, the RFID controller 1562 decodes the signal and communicates the information with the energy module controller 1554 to initiate the radio pairing process. [Examples]

[0184] Various aspects of the subject matter described herein will be illustrated in the following examples: Example 1: A modular energy system comprising a header module having an RFID reader configured to read a radio frequency identification (RFID) card associated with a surgical instrument, wherein the RFID reader in the header module is configured to read the RFID card and initiate a wireless pairing process with the surgical instrument when the RFID card is located near the RFID reader.

[0185] Example 2: A modular energy system according to Example 1, wherein the header module is configured to wirelessly locate surgical instruments and initiate a wireless pairing process.

[0186] Example 3: A modular energy system according to one or more of Examples 1-2, further comprising a display screen communicatively coupled to a header module, the display screen configured to display illustrated instructions for wirelessly pairing a surgical instrument with the modular energy system to initiate the wireless pairing process.

[0187] Example 4: A modular energy system comprising one or more of Examples 1-3, wherein a display screen is configured to prompt the user to press a button on a surgical instrument, and pressing the button causes the surgical instrument to enter pairing mode.

[0188] Example 5: A modular energy system according to one or more of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the header module is configured to automatically pair with the surgical instrument after the wireless pairing process is initiated and the surgical instrument enters pairing mode.

[0189] Example 6: A modular energy system comprising a display screen with an RFID reader configured to read an RFID card associated with a surgical instrument, wherein the RFID reader on the display screen is configured to read the RFID card and initiate a wireless pairing process with the surgical instrument when the RFID card is located near the RFID reader.

[0190] Example 7: A modular energy system according to Example 6, further comprising a header module communicatively coupled to a display screen, the header module configured to wirelessly locate surgical instruments and initiate a wireless pairing process.

[0191] Example 8: A modular energy system according to one or more of Examples 6-7, wherein the display screen is configured to show illustrated instructions for wirelessly pairing a surgical instrument with the modular energy system in order to initiate the wireless pairing process.

[0192] Example 9: A modular energy system comprising one or more of Examples 6-8, wherein a display screen is configured to prompt the user to press a button on a surgical instrument, and pressing the button causes the surgical instrument to enter pairing mode.

[0193] Example 10: A modular energy system according to one or more of Examples 6-9, wherein the header module is configured to automatically pair with the surgical instrument after the wireless pairing process is initiated and the surgical instrument enters pairing mode.

[0194] Example 11: A modular energy system comprising an energy module having an RFID reader configured to read a radio frequency identification (RFID) card associated with a surgical instrument, wherein the RFID reader in the energy module is configured to read the RFID card and initiate a wireless pairing process with the surgical instrument when the RFID card is located near the RFID reader.

[0195] Example 12: A modular energy system according to Example 11, wherein the energy module is configured to wirelessly locate surgical instruments and initiate a wireless pairing process.

[0196] Example 13: A modular energy system according to one or more of Examples 11-12, further comprising a display screen communicatively coupled to an energy module, the display screen configured to display illustrated instructions for wirelessly pairing a surgical instrument with the modular energy system in order to initiate the wireless pairing process.

[0197] Example 14: A modular energy system comprising one or more of Examples 11-13, wherein a display screen is configured to prompt the user to press a button on a surgical instrument, and pressing the button causes the surgical instrument to enter pairing mode.

[0198] Example 15: A modular energy system according to one or more of Examples 11-14, wherein the energy module is configured to automatically pair with the surgical instrument after the wireless pairing process is initiated and the surgical instrument enters pairing mode.

[0199] References to “one aspect,” “aspect,” “example,” and “example” all mean that the specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to that aspect is included in at least one aspect. Therefore, the phrases “in one aspect,” “in aspect,” “example,” and “example” found in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same aspect. Furthermore, specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any preferred manner in one or more aspects.

[0200] For example, and not limited to, the directional terms used herein, such as top, bottom, left side, right side, lower side, upper side, front, back and variations thereof, refer to the orientation of the elements shown in the accompanying drawings and are not limited to the claims unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0201] Unless otherwise indicated, all numerical parameters should be understood in all cases as being preceded and modified by the word “approximately,” and numerical parameters have variability characteristics inherent to the underlying measurement method used to determine the numerical value of the parameter. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter described herein should be interpreted by taking into account the reported significant figures and applying the usual rounding method.

[0202] All patents, patent applications, publications, or other disclosures expressed herein are incorporated herein by reference in whole, as if each individual reference were expressly incorporated by reference. Any reference and any material or part thereof referred to herein as being incorporated by reference is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material is not inconsistent with the current definitions, views, or other disclosures contained herein. Therefore, and to the extent necessary, the disclosures contained herein supersede any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference, and the disclosures expressly contained herein govern.

[0203] [Implementation Method] (1) A modular energy system, A header module comprising an RFID reader configured to read radio frequency identification (RFID) cards associated with surgical instruments, The RFID reader in the header module, When the RFID card is positioned near the RFID reader, the RFID card is read. Start the wireless pairing process with the surgical instrument. It is structured in such a way. Modular energy system. (2) The modular energy system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the header module is configured to wirelessly search for the surgical instrument and initiate the wireless pairing process. (3) The modular energy system according to Embodiment 1, further comprising a display screen communicatively coupled to the header module, wherein the display screen is configured to display illustrated instructions for wirelessly pairing the surgical instrument with the modular energy system in order to initiate the wireless pairing process. (4) The modular energy system according to Embodiment 3, wherein the display screen is configured to prompt the user to press a button on the surgical instrument, and pressing the button causes the surgical instrument to enter pairing mode. (5) The modular energy system according to Embodiment 4, wherein the header module is configured to automatically pair with the surgical instrument after the wireless pairing process has been initiated and the surgical instrument has entered the pairing mode.

[0204] (6) A modular energy system, It features a display screen equipped with an RFID reader configured to read radio frequency identification (RFID) cards associated with surgical instruments, The RFID reader on the display screen is When the RFID card is positioned near the RFID reader, the RFID card is read. Start the wireless pairing process with the surgical instrument. It is structured in such a way. Modular energy system. (7) The modular energy system according to Embodiment 6, further comprising a header module communicatively coupled to the display screen, wherein the header module is configured to wirelessly locate the surgical instrument and initiate the wireless pairing process. (8) The modular energy system according to Embodiment 7, wherein the display screen is configured to display illustrated instructions for wirelessly pairing the surgical instrument with the modular energy system in order to initiate the wireless pairing process. (9) The modular energy system according to Embodiment 8, wherein the display screen is configured to prompt the user to press a button on the surgical instrument, and pressing the button causes the surgical instrument to enter pairing mode. (10) The modular energy system according to Embodiment 9, wherein the header module is configured to automatically pair with the surgical instrument after the wireless pairing process has been initiated and the surgical instrument has entered the pairing mode.

[0205] (11) A modular energy system, The energy module includes an RFID reader configured to read radio frequency identification (RFID) cards associated with surgical instruments, The RFID reader in the energy module, When the RFID card is positioned near the RFID reader, the RFID card is read. Start the wireless pairing process with the surgical instrument. It is structured in such a way. Modular energy system. (12) The modular energy system according to embodiment 11, wherein the energy module is configured to wirelessly locate the surgical instrument and initiate the wireless pairing process. (13) The modular energy system according to Embodiment 11, further comprising a display screen communicatively coupled to the energy module, wherein the display screen is configured to display illustrated instructions for wirelessly pairing the surgical instrument with the modular energy system in order to initiate the wireless pairing process. (14) The modular energy system according to Embodiment 13, wherein the display screen is configured to prompt the user to press a button on the surgical instrument, and pressing the button causes the surgical instrument to enter pairing mode. (15) The modular energy system according to embodiment 14, wherein the energy module is configured to automatically pair with the surgical instrument after the wireless pairing process has been initiated and the surgical instrument has entered the pairing mode.

Claims

1. A modular energy system, An energy module operably coupled to a surgical instrument, wherein the energy module is for delivering energy to drive the surgical function of the surgical instrument, The energy module comprises a header module that can be communicatively coupled to the energy module, and the header module is A radio frequency identification (RFID) reader configured to read an RFID card associated with the surgical instrument when the RFID card is located near the RFID reader, A controller circuit is provided, and the controller circuit is Based on the RFID reader reading the RFID card, data for wirelessly pairing the surgical instrument with the modular energy system is received from the RFID reader. Based on the receipt of the aforementioned data, the wireless pairing process between the surgical instrument and the modular energy system is initiated. Modular energy system.

2. The modular energy system according to claim 1, wherein the header module is configured to wirelessly search for the surgical instrument and initiate the wireless pairing process.

3. The modular energy system according to claim 1, further comprising a display screen communicatively coupled to the header module, wherein the display screen is configured to display illustrated instructions for wirelessly pairing the surgical instrument with the modular energy system in order to initiate the wireless pairing process.

4. The modular energy system according to claim 3, wherein the display screen is configured to prompt the user to press a button on the surgical instrument, and pressing the button causes the surgical instrument to enter pairing mode.

5. The modular energy system according to claim 4, wherein the header module is configured to automatically pair with the surgical instrument after the wireless pairing process has been initiated and the surgical instrument has entered the pairing mode.

6. The modular energy system according to claim 1, wherein the header module further includes a wireless circuit for wirelessly communicating with the surgical instrument, and initiating the wireless pairing process between the modular energy system and the surgical instrument includes causing the wireless circuit to initiate the wireless pairing process between the modular energy system and the surgical instrument.

7. The modular energy system according to claim 1, wherein the controller circuit determines that the wireless pairing process is complete when the surgical instrument is connected to the modular energy system.

Images