Electromechanical surgical stapling devices including wireless communication assembly

Abstract

A tool assembly for connection to a surgical device includes an end effector, a staple cartridge assembly and a wireless communication assembly. The end effector includes an anvil assembly and a staple cartridge channel defining a longitudinal axis, wherein the end effector is pivotable about a pivot axis extending orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The staple cartridge assembly defines a longitudinally extending knife slot and a plurality of staple retaining pockets disposed on both sides of the knife slot. The wireless communication assembly includes: a reader tag supported in the staple cartridge, the reader tag being located proximally of the staple retaining pockets and adjacent the longitudinally extending knife slot; and a reader antenna disposed within the staple cartridge channel, wherein the reader antenna defines an antenna plane which extends transverse to longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge channel.

Description

PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONAtty. Docket: A0012708W001ELECTROMECHANICAL SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICES INCLUDING WIRELESS COMMUNICATION ASSEMBLYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 693,305, filed September 11, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosure is directed to surgical stapling devices and, more particularly, to electromechanical surgical stapling devices including a wireless communication assembly.BACKGROUND

[0003] Surgical stapling devices for simultaneously stapling and cutting tissue are well known in the art and include a tool assembly and a drive assembly. The tool assembly includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly having a channel member and a staple cartridge that is received within the channel member. As surgical stapling devices have advanced, more electronics have been integrated into the surgical stapling device for, e.g., sensing, tracking, and / or identifying various components of the surgical stapling device, including but not limited to the staple cartridge. Communication with the electronics in the staple cartridge may be achieved via physical contacts or wireless contacts.

[0004] A continuing need exists for improvements in the connection between the electronic components of the staple cartridge and the electronic components contained in the channel member of the cartridge assembly and / or the electronic components of any handle assembly or housing assembly supporting the tool assembly.SUMMARY

[0005] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a tool assembly is provided for connection to a surgical device. The tool assembly includes an end effector, a staple cartridge assembly, and a wireless communication assembly. The end effector includes an anvil assembly and a staple cartridge channel defining a longitudinal axis, wherein the anvil assembly and thePROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONAty. Docket: A0012708W001 staple cartridge channel are movable with respect to one another, and wherein the end effector is pivotable about a pivot axis extending orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

[0006] The staple cartridge assembly is removably supported in the staple cartridge channel. The staple cartridge assembly defines a longitudinally extending knife slot and a plurality of staple retaining pockets disposed on both sides of the knife slot.

[0007] The wireless communication assembly includes a reader tag supported in the staple cartridge, the reader tag being located proximally of the staple retaining pockets and adjacent the longitudinally extending knife slot. The wireless communication assembly also includes a reader antenna disposed within the staple cartridge channel. The reader antenna is located proximate to a proximal end portion of the staple cartridge channel. The reader antenna defines an antenna plane extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge channel. The reader antenna is in communication with the reader tag when the staple cartridge assembly is loaded into the staple cartridge channel.

[0008] The antenna plane of the reader antenna may extend parallel to the pivot axis of the end effector.

[0009] The reader tag may define a tag plane extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge channel when the staple cartridge assembly is loaded in the staple cartridge channel.

[0010] The tag plane of the reader tag may extend parallel to the pivot axis of the end effector.

[0011] The end effector may include an open position wherein a longitudinal axis of the anvil assembly is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge assembly, and a closed position wherein the longitudinal axis of the anvil assembly is parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge assembly. When the end effector is in the open position, a footprint defined by the reader tag may be substantially covered by a footprint defined by the antenna reader. When the end effector is in the closed position, the footprint defined by the reader tag may be completely covered by the footprint defined by the antenna reader.PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONAty. Docket: A0012708W001

[0012] The reader tag may be rectangular including a width dimension thereof which is equal to a length dimension thereof. The antenna reader may be rectangular including a width dimension thereof which is greater than a length dimension thereof.

[0013] The wireless communication assembly may include an electrical conduit having a distal end electrically connected to the antenna reader.

[0014] The electrical conduit may be a ribbon cable.

[0015] The tool assembly may further include a joint assembly having a distal articulation member supporting the end effector. The distal articulation member may support the antenna reader.

[0016] The electrical conduit may include a proximal end which extends through the joint assembly.

[0017] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a tool assembly for connection to a surgical device is provided and includes an end effector having an anvil assembly; and a staple cartridge channel defining a longitudinal axis. The anvil assembly and the staple cartridge channel are movable with respect to one another. The end effector is pivotable about a pivot axis extending orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

[0018] The tool assembly further includes a staple cartridge assembly configured for selective loading into the staple cartridge channel. The staple cartridge assembly supports a reader tag defining a tag plane. The tool assembly still further includes a wireless communication assembly having a reader antenna disposed within the staple cartridge channel. The reader antenna is located proximate to a proximal end portion of the staple cartridge channel. The reader antenna defines an antenna plane;

[0019] The tag plane and the antenna plane are oriented at an non-parallel orientation relative to one another. At least one of the tag plane or the antenna plane extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge channel.PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONAty. Docket: A0012708W001

[0020] The staple cartridge assembly may include a longitudinally extending knife slot; and a plurality of staple retaining pockets disposed on both sides of the knife slot. The wireless communication assembly may include the reader tag. The reader tag may be disposed on one side of the knife slot. The reader tag may be located proximally of the plurality of staple retaining pockets and adjacent the longitudinally extending knife slot. The reader antenna may be in communication with the reader tag when the staple cartridge assembly is loaded into the staple cartridge channel.

[0021] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a tool assembly is provided for connection to a surgical device. The tool assembly includes an end effector and a wireless communication assembly. The end effector includes an anvil assembly and a staple cartridge channel defining a longitudinal axis, wherein the anvil assembly and the staple cartridge channel are movable with respect to one another, and wherein the end effector is pivotable about a pivot axis extending orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The wireless communication assembly includes a reader antenna disposed within the staple cartridge channel. The reader antenna is located proximate to a proximal end portion of the staple cartridge channel and defines an antenna plane which extends transverse to longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge channel.

[0022] The antenna plane of the reader antenna may extend parallel to the pivot axis of the end effector.

[0023] The tool assembly may further include a staple cartridge assembly configured for selective loading into the staple cartridge channel. The staple cartridge assembly may include a longitudinally extending knife slot, a plurality of staple retaining pockets disposed on both sides of the knife slot, and a reader tag of the wireless communication assembly supported therewithin. The reader tag may be disposed on one side of the knife slot. The reader tag may be located proximally of the staple retaining pockets and adjacent to the longitudinally extending knife slot. The reader antenna may be in communication with the reader tag when the staple cartridge assembly is loaded into the staple cartridge channel.PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONAty. Docket: A0012708W001

[0024] The reader tag may define a tag plane which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge channel when the staple cartridge assembly is loaded in the staple cartridge channel.

[0025] The tag plane of the reader tag may extend parallel to the pivot axis of the end effector when the staple cartridge assembly is loaded in the staple cartridge channel.

[0026] The reader tag may be rectangular and may include a width dimension thereof which is equal to a length dimension thereof. The antenna reader may be rectangular including a width dimension thereof which is greater than a length dimension thereof.

[0027] The tool assembly may further include a joint assembly having a distal articulation member supporting the end effector. The distal articulation member may support the antenna reader and may define the pivot axis.

[0028] The wireless communication assembly may include an electrical conduit having a distal end electrically connected to the antenna reader, and a proximal end which extends through the joint assembly.

[0029] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a tool assembly is provided for connection to a surgical device. The tool assembly includes an end effector, a staple cartridge assembly, and a wireless communication assembly. The end effector includes: an anvil assembly; a staple cartridge channel defining a longitudinal axis, wherein the anvil assembly and the staple cartridge channel are movable with respect to one another; and a joint assembly including a distal articulation member. The anvil assembly and the staple cartridge channel are supported on the distal articulation member. The distal articulation member defines a pivot axis about which the anvil assembly and the staple cartridge assembly pivot. The pivot axis of the distal articulation member extends orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge channel,

[0030] The staple cartridge assembly is supported in the staple cartridge channel. The staple cartridge assembly defines a longitudinally extending knife slot and a plurality of staple retaining pockets disposed on both sides of the knife slot.PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONAtty. Docket: A0012708W001

[0031] The wireless communication assembly includes a reader tag supported in the staple cartridge, a reader antenna disposed within the staple cartridge channel, and a ribbon cable. The reader tag is located proximally of the staple retaining pockets and adjacent to the longitudinally extending knife slot. The reader antenna is located proximate to a proximal end portion of the staple cartridge channel. The reader antenna defines an antenna plane which extends transverse to longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge channel. The reader antenna is in communication with the reader tag when the staple cartridge assembly is loaded into the staple cartridge channel. The ribbon cable includes a distal end electrically secured to the reader antenna, the distal end defining a strain relief, and a proximal end extending through the joint assembly.

[0032] The reader antenna may be secured to the staple cartridge channel and may move together with the staple cartridge channel as the staple cartridge channel moves relative to the anvil assembly.

[0033] Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims that follow.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with a general description of the disclosure given above, and the detailed description of the embodiment(s) given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure, wherein:

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electromechanical surgical stapling device in accordance with the principles of the disclosure, the electromechanical surgical stapling device having an end effector of a tool assembly shown in an unarticulated and unclamped position;

[0036] FIG. 2 is a rear, perspective view of the tool assembly of the electromechanical surgical stapling device of FIG. 1 with an end effector thereof shown in an unclamped position and with a cartridge assembly separated from the end effector;PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONAty. Docket: A0012708W001

[0037] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tool assembly shown in FIG. 2, with parts separated;

[0038] FIG. 4 is a front, perspective view of the end effector, shown in an open condition, and without a staple cartridge loaded into a staple cartridge channel of the end effector;

[0039] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 4, and with an anvil assembly removed, and illustrating a distal end of a tag reader antenna assembly of this disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 6 is a front, perspective view of the end effector, shown in an open condition, and with a staple cartridge loaded into the staple cartridge channel;

[0041] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 6, and with the anvil assembly shown in phantom;

[0042] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 7;

[0043] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view as taken through 9-9 of FIG. 8;

[0044] FIG. 10 is a side, elevational view of FIG. 9, illustrating the end effector in an open condition;

[0045] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view as taken through 11-11 of FIG. 10;

[0046] FIG. 12 is a top, plan view of the illustration of FIG. 11 ;

[0047] FIG. 12A is a further top, plan view of FIG. 12, illustrating an alternate embodiment of a tag reader antenna assembly supported in a staple cartridge and staple cartridge channel;

[0048] FIG. 12B is another top, plan view of FIG. 12, illustrating yet another alternate embodiment of a tag reader antenna assembly supported in a staple cartridge and staple cartridge channel;PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONAty. Docket: A0012708W001

[0049] FIG. 13 is a side, elevational view of FIG. 9, illustrating the end effector in an closed condition;

[0050] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view as taken through 14-14 of FIG. 13;

[0051] FIG. 15 is a right, perspective view of a staple cartridge channel of an alternate embodiment of an end effector of a tool assembly of the disclosure with no staple cartridge assembly loaded therein;

[0052] FIG. 16 is a left, side perspective view of the staple cartridge channel of FIG. 15 with a staple cartridge assembly loaded therein;

[0053] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a distal end of an alternative tag reader antenna assembly of this disclosure shown connected to a distal articulation member of the end effector; and

[0054] FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of a medical work station and operating console in accordance with the present disclosure to which the tool assemblies disclosed herein may be attached.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The disclosed electromechanical surgical stapling device will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. However, it is to be understood that aspects of the disclosure are merely exemplary of the disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0056] As used herein, the term “distal” refers to that portion of the system, assembly, device, and / or component thereof, farther from the user, while the term “proximal” refers to thatPROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONAty. Docket: A0012708W001 portion of the system, assembly, device, and / or component thereof, closer to the user. As used herein, the term “clinician” refers to a doctor, nurse, or other care provider and may include support personnel. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail.

[0057] The disclosed electromechanical surgical stapling device generally includes a tool assembly supporting an end effector at an articulation joint, and a staple cartridge configured for selective loading into a cartridge channel of the end effector, wherein the staple cartridge includes an electronic tag, and the tool assembly includes a tag reader antenna assembly.

[0058] FIG. 1 illustrates an electromechanical surgical stapling device according to aspects of the disclosure shown generally as stapling device 10. The stapling device 10 includes a handle assembly 12, and a tool assembly 14 having an elongated body 14a, and an articulation joint 16. The articulation joint 16 couples the tool assembly 14 to the elongated body 14a for articulation of the tool assembly 14 about an articulation axis “Y” (see FIGS. 5, 6 and 10).

[0059] The handle assembly 12 includes a body 19 that defines a hand grip 19a, a plurality of actuator butons 20, and a housing assembly 22. The housing assembly 22 supports the elongated body 14a to facilitate rotation of the elongated body 14a and the tool assembly 14 in relation to the handle assembly 12 about the longitudinal axis “X”. The actuator buttons 20 control operation of the various functions of the stapling device 10 including articulation, clamping, firing, and cutting of tissue.

[0060] The handle assembly 12 may include a rechargeable batery “B” (FIG. 1) configured to supply power to any of the electrical components of surgical stapler 10, a battery circuit board and / or a controller circuit board “CB”. The handle assembly 12 may further include three motors (one motor “M” illustrated in FIG. 1) each electrically connected to the controller circuit board and the battery. Each motor includes a respective motor shaft extending therefrom for transmitting rotative forces or torque. The motors of the handle assembly 12 are configured to drive shafts and / or gear components of tool assembly 14 in order to selectively operate tool assembly 14 and / or the end effector 18.PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONAty. Docket: A0012708W001

[0061] Although the stapling device 10 is illustrated as an electrically powered stapling device, it is envisioned that the disclosed tool assembly 14 would also be suitable for use with manually powered surgical stapling devices and robotically operated stapling devices. U.S. Patent No. 9,055,943 discloses a surgical stapling device including a powered handle assembly, U.S. Patent No. 6,241,139 discloses a surgical stapling device including a manually actuated handle assembly, and U.S Patent No. 9,962,159 discloses a stapling device that is configured for use with a robotic system.

[0062] FIG. 2 illustrates the tool assembly 14 which is supported on or connectable to handle assembly 12. The tool assembly 14 includes an end effector 18 having an anvil assembly 30 and a staple cartridge channel 32 configured to selectively receive a staple cartridge assembly 100. The anvil assembly 30 is fixedly secured to the articulation joint 16 via screws or pins (not shown), and the staple cartridge channel 32 is pivotably secured to the anvil assembly 30 by pins or screws 34 (FIG. 5). The staple cartridge channel 32 defines a cavity 32a configured for receiving the staple cartridge assembly 100 therein. The staple cartridge channel 32 defines an elongated slot 32a (see FIG. 5) that facilitates passage of an I-beam 150 (FIGS. 3, 6 and 7) of a drive assembly of the stapling device 10. The end effector 18, and more specifically, the anvil assembly 30 or the staple cartridge assembly 100, define(s) a longitudinally extending knife slot 100a for traversal of a knife blade (supported on the I-beam 150) and a longitudinal axis “X” (see, e.g., FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6).

[0063] In aspects of the disclosure, the staple cartridge assembly 100 is releasably received within the cavity 32a of the staple cartridge channel 32 to facilitate replacement of the staple cartridge assembly 100 and reuse of the stapling device 10. The staple cartridge assembly 100 further defines a plurality of staple receiving pockets 100b disposed on both sides of the longitudinally extending knife slot 100a.

[0064] In aspects of the disclosure, the anvil assembly 30 includes a proximal portion that includes spaced wings that extend downwardly about a proximal portion of the staple cartridge channel 32. The spaced wings of the anvil assembly define openings that receive the pins 34 to secure the anvil assembly 30 to the articulation joint 16 and to rotatably secure the staple cartridge channel 32 to the anvil assembly 30 such that the staple cartridge channel 32 mayPROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONAty. Docket: A0012708W001 rotate / pivot relative to the anvil assembly 30. The staple cartridge channel 32 includes corresponding openings that receive the pins 34.

[0065] Tuning now to FIGS. 3-14, a wireless communication assembly 200 is shown and described. Generally, wireless communication assembly 200 includes a reader antenna assembly 210 having a reader antenna 212 supported in end effector 18 of tool assembly 14, and a ribbon cable or other electrical conduit 214 having a distal end electrically connected to the reader antenna 212 and a proximal end which is in electrical connection with a circuit board 17a supported in a proximal housing of tool assembly 14. Wireless communication assembly 200 further generally includes a reader tag 220 supported in the staple cartridge assembly 100, at a location proximal of the staple retaining pockets. The reader tag 220 is configured for communication with the reader antenna 212 when the staple cartridge assembly 100 is loaded into the staple cartridge channel 32.

[0066] With specific reference to FIGS. 5-14, the reader antenna 212 of the wireless communication assembly 200 is supported in a distal articulation member 54 of the joint assembly 16 of the tool assembly 14, and more specifically, the reader antenna 212 is disposed in a proximal portion of the staple cartridge channel 32. As illustrated in FIG. 5, reader antenna 212 may have a generally planar and rectangular configuration defined by a length extending along an antenna axis “XI”, and a width extending along an antenna axis “Yl”. While reader antenna 212 is illustrated as having a width which is greater than its length, it is contemplated that reader antenna 212 may be constructed such that a width thereof is equal to or less than a length thereof.

[0067] Referring momentarily to FIGS. 5 and 12, the reader antenna 212 is supported on a surface 54a of the distal articulation member 54 such that an antenna plane “Pl” thereof (defined by axis “XI” and axis “Yl”) extends at an angle with respect to (or transverse to) the longitudinal “X” axis of the end effector 18 by an angle “a”. Specifically, the reader antenna axis “XI” is angled at about 15 degrees relative to the longitudinal “X” axis of the end effector 18. It is contemplated that the angle “a” may range from about 5 degrees to about 25 degrees. Further, the antenna plane “Pl” of the reader antenna 212 extends in a direction which is also parallel to the pivot axis “Y” of the end effector 18.PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONAty. Docket: A0012708W001

[0068] The wireless communication assembly 200 may include capacitors “C” for tuning and / or powering the reader antenna 212.

[0069] With reference back to FIGS. 3-14, the ribbon cable or other electrical conduit 214 of the wireless communication assembly 200 includes a proximal portion 214a which extends proximally from the reader antenna 212, through the joint assembly 16, and electrically connects to an electrical assembly 17 supported in a proximal housing of tool assembly 14. The electrical assembly may include, and is not limited to a circuit board 17a, memory, a processor, and electrical pins / connectors 17b for electrical connection to a corresponding electrical plug (not shown) disposed in a connection portion of the housing assembly 22 of the handle assembly 12.

[0070] As illustrated in FIGS. 10-14, as mentioned above, the wireless communication assembly 200 includes a reader tag 220 supported within a proximal portion of the staple cartridge assembly 100 and adjacent a central knife channel of the staple cartridge assembly 100. Specifically, the reader tag 220 is disposed on a lateral side of the staple cartridge assembly 100 which is closest to the reader antenna 212 when the staple cartridge assembly 100 is properly loaded within the staple cartridge channel 32 so as to be within an electrical communication range and / or an inductive coupling range of the reader antenna 212.

[0071] The reader tag 220 may have a generally planar and rectangular configuration defined by a length extending along a tag axis “X2”, and a width extending along a tag axis “Y2”. While reader tag 220 is illustrated as having a width which is substantially equal to its length, it is contemplated that reader tag 220 may be constructed such that a width thereof is greater than or less than a length thereof.

[0072] The reader tag 220 is supported in the staple cartridge assembly 100 such that a tag plane “P2” (defined by axis “X2” and axis “Y2”) thereof extends in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge channel 32 and parallel to the pivot axis “Y” of the end effector 18, when the staple cartridge assembly 100 is loaded into the staple cartridge channel 32. Being that the staple cartridge assembly 100 will move together with the staple cartridge channel 32, between open and closed positions of the end effector 18, when the endPROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONAty. Docket: A0012708W001 effector 18 is in the open position, the tag axis “Y2” of the reader tag 220 is oriented at an angle relative to the antenna axis “Yl” of the reader antenna 212, and when the end effector 18 is in the closed position, the tag axis “Y2” of the reader tag 220 is oriented parallel to the antenna axis “Yl” of the reader antenna 212.

[0073] Turning now to FIGS. 12A and 12B, in an alternate embodiment, in accordance with the scope of the present disclosure, the reader antenna 212 is supported on a surface of the distal articulation member such that an antenna plane thereof (defined by axis “XI” and axis “Yl”) extends parallel to the longitudinal “X” axis of the end effector 18, and the tag axis “X2” of the reader tag 220 is angled with respect to the longitudinal “X” axis of the end effector 18 by an angle “al”. It is contemplated that the angles “al, a 2” may range from about + / -5 degrees to about + / - 25 degrees, and specifically + / - 11 degrees.

[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 10, when the staple cartridge assembly 100 is loaded into the staple cartridge channel 32, and with the staple cartridge channel 32 angled with respect to the anvil assembly 30 (i.e., the end effector 18 being in an open condition), the tag axis “Y2” of the reader tag 220 is angled with respect to the antenna axis “Yl” of the reader antenna 212 by an angle “0” between about 1 degree to about 30 degrees. Further, the reader antenna 212 and the reader tag 220 are sized such that a footprint of the reader tag 220 is substantially, if not completely, covered by a footprint of the reader antenna 212. The reader antenna 212 shall have at least 50 % overlap over the reader tag 220 for acceptable communication performance.

[0075] As illustrated in FIG. 13, when the staple cartridge assembly 100 is loaded into the staple cartridge channel 32, and with the staple cartridge channel 32 parallel with respect to the anvil assembly 30 (i.e., the end effector 18 being in a closed condition), the tag axis “Y2” of the reader tag 220 is parallel to, or substantially parallel to, the antenna axis “Yl” of the reader antenna 210, wherein the angle “0” is less than about 5 degrees. Further, the reader antenna 212 and the reader tag 220 are sized such that the footprint of the reader tag 220 is completely covered by the footprint of the reader antenna 212.

[0076] The reader antenna 212 and the reader tag 220 of the wireless communication assembly 200 may be in the form of an inductive coupling pair, a near-field communicationPROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONAty. Docket: A0012708W001(“NFC”) pair, a Radio-Frequency Identification (“RFID”) pair, magnetic sensors, a proximity sensors, an optical sensors, a hall-effect sensors, combinations thereof, and the like.

[0077] Specifically, operation of the wireless communication assembly 200 may be based on an inductive coupling between the reader antenna 212 and the reader tag 220 which use magnetic coils as “antennas”, whereby, when active, a near-field communication (“NFC”) exists where either an electrical or magnetic field is generated. The magnetic coils should be designed and oriented in such a way so as to provide magnetic coupling between sender / receiver coils of the reader antenna 212 and coils of the reader tag 220 and so as to allow sufficient energy transmission between sender / receiver coils of the reader antenna 210 and coils of the reader tag 220 for the reader antenna 212 to power and / or energize the reader tag 220, for the reader antenna 212 to interrogate the reader tag 220, and for the reader tag 220 to communicate information to the reader antenna 212. For example, the reader antenna 212 of the wireless communication assembly 200 may include a first inductive coil which is functionally aligned with a second inductive coil of the reader tag 220 when the staple cartridge assembly 100 is seated in the staple cartridge channel 32.

[0078] The reader antenna 212 of the wireless communication assembly 200 is also configured to read information from a memory (e.g., EEPROM, or the like) of the tag reader 220 about the surgical staple cartridge 100 which is loaded into the staple cartridge channel 32, for example, and not limited to: manufacturer, manufacture date, model number, serial number, staple cartridge length, staple height, expiration date or use by date, and the like, and convey or transmit that information to a circuit or control board “CB” having a processor or memory (see FIG. 1) contained within the handle assembly 12.

[0079] Turning now to FIGS. 15-17, a wireless communication assembly 300 is generally shown and described. The wireless communication assembly 300 is substantially similar to the wireless communication assembly 200, and only differences therebetween will be discussed.

[0080] The wireless communication assembly 300 includes a reader antenna 312 is supported in a side wall 32a of the staple cartridge channel 32. Specifically, the reader antennaPROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONAty. Docket: A0012708W001312 is adhered to the side wall 32a of the staple cartridge channel 32 via welding, adhesives (e.g., pressure sensitive adhesive) or the like. In this manner, as the staple cartridge channel 32 pivots relative to the anvil assembly 30, the reader antenna 312 also pivots together with the staple cartridge channel 32. The staple cartridge channel 32 may be provided with support surfaces 32b, or the like, to help maintain a position of the reader antenna 312 relative to the staple cartridge channel 32.

[0081] The wireless communication assembly 300 includes a ribbon cable or other electrical conduit 314 having a distal end electrically connected to the reader antenna 312 and a proximal end which is in electrical connection with a circuit board 17a (see FIG. 3) supported in the proximal housing of tool assembly 14. Specifically, the ribbon cable 314 includes a loop or strain relief 315 extending between and interconnecting a distal end portion 314a of the ribbon cable 314 and the reader antenna 312. In use, the loop 315 is of a sufficient length so as to flex or move with the reader antenna 312 as the staple cartridge channel 32 is moved toward or away from the anvil assembly 30.

[0082] The various embodiments disclosed herein may also be configured to work with robotic surgical systems and what is commonly referred to as “Telesurgery.” Such systems employ various robotic elements to assist the clinician and allow remote operation (or partial remote operation) of surgical instrumentation. Various robotic arms, gears, cams, pulleys, electric and mechanical motors, etc. may be employed for this purpose and may be designed with a robotic surgical system to assist the clinician during the course of an operation or treatment. Such robotic systems may include remotely steerable systems, automatically flexible surgical systems, remotely flexible surgical systems, remotely articulating surgical systems, wireless surgical systems, modular or selectively configurable remotely operated surgical systems, etc.

[0083] The robotic surgical systems may be employed with one or more consoles that are next to the operating theater or located in a remote location. In this instance, one team of clinicians may prep the patient for surgery and configure the robotic surgical system with one or more of the instruments disclosed herein while another clinician (or group of clinicians) remotely control the instruments via the robotic surgical system. As can be appreciated, a highly skilled clinician may perform multiple operations in multiple locations without leaving his / her remotePROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONAty. Docket: A0012708W001 console which can be both economically advantageous and a benefit to the patient or a series of patients.

[0084] The robotic arms of the surgical system are typically coupled to a pair of master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by the clinician to produce a corresponding movement of the working ends of any type of surgical instrument (e.g., end effectors, graspers, knifes, scissors, etc.) which may complement the use of one or more of the embodiments described herein. The movement of the master handles may be scaled so that the working ends have a corresponding movement that is different, smaller or larger, than the movement performed by the operating hands of the clinician. The scale factor or gearing ratio may be adjustable so that the operator can control the resolution of the working ends of the surgical instrument(s).

[0085] The master handles may include various sensors to provide feedback to the clinician relating to various tissue parameters or conditions, e.g., tissue resistance due to manipulation, cuting or otherwise treating, pressure by the instrument onto the tissue, tissue temperature, tissue impedance, etc. As can be appreciated, such sensors provide the clinician with enhanced tactile feedback simulating actual operating conditions. The master handles may also include a variety of different actuators for delicate tissue manipulation or treatment further enhancing the clinician’s ability to mimic actual operating conditions.

[0086] Referring also to FIG. 18, a medical work station is shown generally as work station 1000 and generally may include a plurality of robot arms 1002, 1003; a control device 1004; and an operating console 1005 coupled with the control device 1004. The operating console 1005 may include a display device 1006, which may be set up in particular to display three-dimensional images; and manual input devices 1007, 1008, by means of which a person (not shown), for example a clinician, may be able to telemanipulate the robot arms 1002, 1003 in a first operating mode.

[0087] Each of the robot arms 1002, 1003 may include a plurality of members, which are connected through joints, and an attaching device 1009, 1011, to which may be attached, forPROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONAty. Docket: A0012708W001 example, a surgical tool “ST” supporting an end effector 1100 (e.g., the tool assembly 14 described hereinabove).

[0088] The robot arms 1002, 1003 may be driven by electric drives (not shown) that are connected to the control device 1004. The control device 1004 (e.g., a computer) may be set up to activate the drives, in particular by means of a computer program, in such a way that the robot arms 1002, 1003, their ataching devices 1009, 1011 and thus the surgical tool (including the end effector 1100) execute a desired movement according to a movement defined by means of the manual input devices 1007, 1008. The control device 1004 may also be set up in such a way that it regulates the movement of the robot arms 1002, 1003 and / or of the drives.

[0089] The medical work station 1000 may be configured for use on a patient “P” lying on a patient table 1012 to be treated in a minimally invasive manner by means of the end effector 1100. The medical work station 1000 may also include more than two robot arms 1002, 1003, the additional robot arms likewise connected to the control device 1004 and telemanipulatable by means of the operating console 1005. A surgical system, such as the presently disclosed surgical system, may also be attached to the additional robot arm. The medical work station 1000 may include a database 1014 coupled with the control device 1004. In some embodiments, preoperative data from patient / living being “P” and / or anatomical atlases may be stored in the database 1014. For a more detailed description of exemplary medical work stations and / or components thereof, reference may be made to U.S. Patent 8,828,023, entitled “Medical Workstation”, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0090] Persons skilled in the art will understand that the structures and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying figures are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the description, disclosure, and figures should be construed merely as exemplary of particular embodiments. It is to be understood, therefore, that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise embodiments described, and that various other changes and modifications may be affected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Additionally, the elements and features shown or described in connection with certain embodiments may be combined with the elements and features of certain other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and that suchPROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONAty. Docket: A0012708W001 modifications and variations are also included within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the subject mater of the present disclosure is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described.

[0091] The following examples are illustrative of the techniques described herein.

[0092] Example 1. A tool assembly for connection to a surgical device, the tool assembly comprising: an end effector including: an anvil assembly; and a staple cartridge channel defining a longitudinal axis, wherein the anvil assembly and the staple cartridge channel are movable with respect to one another, and wherein the end effector is pivotable about a pivot axis extending orthogonal to the longitudinal axis; a staple cartridge assembly removably supported in the staple cartridge channel, the staple cartridge assembly defining a longitudinally extending knife slot and a plurality of staple retaining pockets disposed on both sides of the knife slot; and a wireless communication assembly including: a reader tag supported in the staple cartridge, the reader tag being located proximally of the plurality of staple retaining pockets and adjacent the longitudinally extending knife slot; and a reader antenna disposed within the staple cartridge channel, wherein the reader antenna is located proximate to a proximal end portion of the staple cartridge channel, and wherein the reader antenna defines an antenna plane which extends transverse to longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge channel, wherein the reader antenna is in communication with the reader tag when the staple cartridge assembly is loaded into the staple cartridge channel.

[0093] Example 2. The tool assembly according to example 1, wherein the antenna plane of the reader antenna extends parallel to the pivot axis of the end effector.

[0094] Example 3. The tool assembly according to example 2, wherein the reader tag defines a tag plane which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge channel when the staple cartridge assembly is loaded in the staple cartridge channel.

[0095] Example 4. The tool assembly according to example 3, wherein the tag plane of the reader tag extends parallel to the pivot axis of the end effector.

[0096] Example 5. The tool assembly according to example 4, wherein the end effector is moveable between an open position wherein a longitudinal axis of the anvil assemblyPROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONAty. Docket: A0012708W001 is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge assembly, and a closed position wherein the longitudinal axis of the anvil assembly is parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge assembly, wherein: when the end effector is in the open position, a footprint defined by the reader tag is substantially covered by a footprint defined by the antenna reader; and when the end effector is in the closed position, the footprint defined by the reader tag is completely covered by the footprint defined by the antenna reader.

[0097] Example 6. The tool assembly according to example 5, wherein: the reader tag is rectangular including a width dimension thereof which is equal to a length dimension thereof; and the antenna reader is rectangular including a width dimension thereof which is greater than a length dimension thereof.

[0098] Example 7. The tool assembly according to example 4, wherein the wireless communication assembly includes an electrical conduit having a distal end electrically connected to the antenna reader.

[0099] Example 8. The tool assembly according to example 7, wherein the electrical conduit is a ribbon cable.

[0100] Example 9. The tool assembly according to example 7, further comprising a joint assembly having a distal articulation member supporting the end effector, wherein the distal articulation member supports the antenna reader.

[0101] Example 10. The tool assembly according to example 9, wherein the electrical conduit includes a proximal end which extends through the joint assembly.

[0102] Example 11. A tool assembly for connection to a surgical device, the tool assembly comprising: an end effector including: an anvil assembly; and a staple cartridge channel defining a longitudinal axis, wherein the anvil assembly and the staple cartridge channel are movable with respect to one another, and wherein the end effector is pivotable about a pivot axis extending orthogonal to the longitudinal axis; a staple cartridge assembly configured for selective loading into the staple cartridge channel, the staple cartridge assembly supporting a reader tag defining a tag plane; and a wireless communication assembly including a readerPROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONAty. Docket: A0012708W001 antenna disposed within the staple cartridge channel, wherein the reader antenna is located proximate to a proximal end portion of the staple cartridge channel, and wherein the reader antenna defines an antenna plane; wherein the tag plane and the antenna plane are oriented at an non-parallel orientation relative to one another, and wherein at least one of the tag plane or the antenna plane extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge channel.

[0103] Example 12. The tool assembly according to example 11, wherein the antenna plane of the reader antenna extends parallel to the pivot axis of the end effector.

[0104] Example 13. The tool assembly according to example 12, wherein: the staple cartridge assembly includes: a longitudinally extending knife slot; and a plurality of staple retaining pockets disposed on both sides of the knife slot; and the wireless communication assembly includes the reader tag, wherein the reader tag is disposed on one side of the knife slot, wherein the reader tag is located proximally of the plurality of staple retaining pockets and adjacent the longitudinally extending knife slot, wherein the reader antenna is in communication with the reader tag when the staple cartridge assembly is loaded into the staple cartridge channel.

[0105] Example 14. The tool assembly according to example 13, wherein the reader tag defines a tag plane which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge channel when the staple cartridge assembly is loaded in the staple cartridge channel.

[0106] Example 15. The tool assembly according to example 14, wherein the tag plane of the reader tag extends parallel to the pivot axis of the end effector when the staple cartridge assembly is loaded in the staple cartridge channel.

[0107] Example 16. The tool assembly according to example 15, wherein: the reader tag is rectangular including a width dimension thereof which is equal to a length dimension thereof; and the antenna reader is rectangular including a width dimension thereof which is greater than a length dimension thereof.

[0108] Example 17. The tool assembly according to example 15, further comprising a joint assembly having a distal articulation member supporting the end effector, wherein the distal articulation member supports the antenna reader and defines the pivot axis.PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONAty. Docket: A0012708W001

[0109] Example 18. The tool assembly according to example 17, wherein the wireless communication assembly includes an electrical conduit having: a distal end electrically connected to the antenna reader; and a proximal end which extends through the joint assembly.

[0110] Example 19. A tool assembly for connection to a surgical device, the tool assembly comprising: an end effector including: an anvil assembly; a staple cartridge channel defining a longitudinal axis, wherein the anvil assembly and the staple cartridge channel are movable with respect to one another; and a joint assembly including a distal articulation member, wherein the anvil assembly and the staple cartridge channel are supported on the distal articulation member, and wherein the distal articulation member defines a pivot axis extending orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, about which the anvil assembly and the staple cartridge assembly pivot; a staple cartridge assembly supported in the staple cartridge channel, the staple cartridge assembly defining a longitudinally extending knife slot and a plurality of staple retaining pockets disposed on both sides of the knife slot; and a wireless communication assembly including: a reader tag supported in the staple cartridge, the reader tag being located proximally of the plurality of staple retaining pockets and adjacent the longitudinally extending knife slot; a reader antenna disposed within the staple cartridge channel, wherein the reader antenna is located proximate to a proximal end portion of the staple cartridge channel, and wherein the reader antenna defines an antenna plane which extends transverse to longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge channel, wherein the reader antenna is in communication with the reader tag when the staple cartridge assembly is loaded into the staple cartridge channel; and a ribbon cable having: a distal end electrically secured to the reader antenna, the distal end defining a strain relief; and a proximal end extending through the joint assembly.

[0111] Example 20. The tool assembly according to example 19, wherein the reader antenna is secured to the staple cartridge channel and moves together with the staple cartridge channel as the staple cartridge channel moves relative to the anvil assembly.

Claims

PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONAty. Docket: A0012708W001WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A tool assembly for connection to a surgical device, the tool assembly comprising: an end effector including: an anvil assembly; and a staple cartridge channel defining a longitudinal axis, wherein the anvil assembly and the staple cartridge channel are movable with respect to one another, and wherein the end effector is pivotable about a pivot axis extending orthogonal to the longitudinal axis; a staple cartridge assembly removably supported in the staple cartridge channel, the staple cartridge assembly defining a longitudinally extending knife slot and a plurality of staple retaining pockets disposed on both sides of the knife slot; and a wireless communication assembly including: a reader tag supported in the staple cartridge, the reader tag being located proximally of the plurality of staple retaining pockets and adjacent the longitudinally extending knife slot; and a reader antenna disposed within the staple cartridge channel, wherein the reader antenna is located proximate to a proximal end portion of the staple cartridge channel, and wherein the reader antenna defines an antenna plane which extends transverse to longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge channel, wherein the reader antenna is in communication with the reader tag when the staple cartridge assembly is loaded into the staple cartridge channel.

2. The tool assembly according to claim 1, wherein the antenna plane of the reader antenna extends parallel to the pivot axis of the end effector.PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONAty. Docket: A0012708W0013. The tool assembly according to according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the reader tag defines a tag plane which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge channel when the staple cartridge assembly is loaded in the staple cartridge channel.

4. The tool assembly according to according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tag plane of the reader tag extends parallel to the pivot axis of the end effector.

5. The tool assembly according to according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the end effector is moveable between an open position wherein a longitudinal axis of the anvil assembly is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge assembly, and a closed position wherein the longitudinal axis of the anvil assembly is parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis of the staple cartridge assembly, wherein: when the end effector is in the open position, a footprint defined by the reader tag is substantially covered by a footprint defined by the antenna reader; and when the end effector is in the closed position, the footprint defined by the reader tag is completely covered by the footprint defined by the antenna reader.

6. The tool assembly according to according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: the reader tag is rectangular including a width dimension thereof which is equal to a length dimension thereof; and the antenna reader is rectangular including a width dimension thereof which is greater than a length dimension thereof.

7. The tool assembly according to according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless communication assembly includes an electrical conduit having a distal end electrically connected to the antenna reader.

8. The tool assembly according to according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical conduit is a ribbon cable.PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONAtty. Docket: A0012708W0019. The tool assembly according to according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a joint assembly having a distal articulation member supporting the end effector, wherein the distal articulation member supports the antenna reader.

10. The tool assembly according to according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical conduit includes a proximal end which extends through the joint assembly.

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