Robotic module for attaching robotic arms to a surgical table on demand

Abstract

A surgical system includes a pedestal, an operating table, and a robotic accessory module The pedestal extends between a top pedestal surface and a bottom pedestal surface. The top pedestal surface includes a pedestal power transmission contact and at least one pedestal lock. The pedestal is configured to be coupled to a power source and transmit power via the pedestal power transmission contact. The operating table includes a patient support surface and a base frame. The robotic accessory module extends between a top module surface coupled to the operating table and a bottom module surface that is configured to be selectively connected to and removed from the top pedestal surface via the at least one pedestal lock. The robotic accessory module includes at least one robotic arm that is configured to receive power from the pedestal power transmission contact.

Description

ROBOTIC MODULE FOR ATTACHING ROBOTIC ARMS TO A SURGICAL TABLE ON DEMANDFIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a surgical system that includes a robotic accessory module with at least one robotic arm.BACKGROUND

[0002] In many types of surgeries, the use of gravity is utilized to move organs out of the way, and thus allow optimal access to a point of interest inside a patient's body. Robotic assistance has modernly been implemented in various surgical procedures for assisted and minimally invasive techniques. Typically, robotic arms are provided on a cart or other modular unit that is separated from an operating table. If a surgeon wants to tilt the operating table during surgery (e.g., to utilize gravity), controlling movements of the operating table is generally facilitated by a central pedestal under the operating table that can tilt the operating table about an axis. Generally speaking, when the operating table is moved, a medical assistant has to remove instruments from the patient, relocate the patient by controlling the movements of the operating table, and manually reinsert instruments into the patient's body. As a result, the implementation of robotic assisted surgeries, while beneficial, adds additional steps and complications to surgical procedures.

[0003] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a surgical system that includes a robotic accessory module with at least one robotic arm.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical system includes a pedestal, an operating table, and a robotic accessory module. The pedestal extends between a top pedestal surface and a bottom pedestal surface. The top pedestal surface includes a pedestal power transmission contact and at least one pedestal lock. The pedestal is configured to be coupled to a power source and transmit power via the pedestal power transmission contact. The operating table includes a patient support surface and a base frame. The robotic accessory module extends between a top module surface coupled to the operating table and a bottom module surface that is configured to be selectively connected to and removed from the top pedestal surface via the at least one pedestal lock. The roboticaccessory module includes at least one robotic arm that is configured to receive power from the pedestal power transmission contact.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a robotic accessory module for an operating table, the robotic accessory module includes a top module surface having at least one top module lock that is configured to be selectively connected to and removed from an operating table. A bottom module surface includes at least one bottom module lock that is configured to be selectively connected to and removed from a pedestal. The robotic accessory module further includes at least one robotic arm.

[0006] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an operating table includes a patient support surface, a base frame, and a robotic accessory module. The robotic accessory module includes at least one robotic arm, a top module surface connected to the base frame, and a bottom module surface. The bottom module surface includes at least one bottom module lock configured to be selectively connected to and removed from a pedestal and a bottom module power transmission contact configured to be in conductive communication with the pedestal.

[0007] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical system includes a pedestal, an operating table, and a plurality of robotic accessory modules. The pedestal extends between a top pedestal surface and a bottom pedestal surface. The top pedestal surface includes a pedestal power transmission contact and at least one pedestal lock. The pedestal is configured to be coupled to a power source and transmit power via the pedestal power transmission contact. The operating table includes a patient support surface and a base frame. Each of the plurality of robotic accessory modules extends between a top module surface configured to be coupled to the operating table and a bottom module surface configured to be selectively connected to and removed from the top pedestal surface via the at least one pedestal lock. The plurality of robotic accessory modules each includes at least one robotic arm. The at least one robotic arm of at least two of the plurality of robotic accessory modules is different.

[0008] According to still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical system includes a pedestal extending between a top pedestal surface and a bottom pedestal surface. An operating table includes a patient support surface and a control system is configured to tilt the operating table to a variety of positions. A robotic accessory module extends between a first module surface configured to be coupled to the operating table, and a second modulesurface configured to be selectively connected to and removed from the top pedestal surface. The robotic accessory module includes at least one robotic arm. When the control system tilts the operating table, the accessory module tilts a corresponding amount due to the coupling of the first module surface to the operating table..

[0009] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In the drawings:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a surgical system within a medical environment, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an operating table in a surgical system that can be selectively tilted, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a pedestal for an operating table, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a robotic accessory module for an operating table, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a side partially schematic view of an operating table with a robotic accessory module being selectively coupled to a pedestal, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a robotic accessory module for an operating table, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of an operating table, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 8 is a side partially schematic view of an operating table being selectively coupled to a robotic accessory module and the robotic accessory module being selectively coupled to a pedestal, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0019] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a control system of a surgical system, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a surgical system that includes a robotic accessory module with at least one robotic arm. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

[0021] The specific structures and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0022] The terms "including," "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises a . . . " does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0023] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-5, reference numeral 10 generally designates a surgical system for a medical environment 12. The surgical system 10 includes a pedestal 14, an operating table 16, and a robotic accessory module 18. The pedestal 14 extends between a top pedestal surface 20 and a bottom pedestal surface 22. The top pedestal surface 20 includes a pedestal power transmission contact 24 and at least one pedestal lock 26. The pedestal 14 is configured to be coupled to a power source 28 and transmit power via the pedestal power transmission contact 24. The operating table 16 includes a patient support surface 30 and a base frame 32. The robotic accessory module 18 extends between a top module surface 34 coupled to the operating table 16 and a bottom module surface 36 that is configured to be selectively connected to and removed from the top pedestal surface 20 via the at least one pedestal lock 26. The robotic accessory module 18 includes at least onerobotic arm 38 that is configured to receive power from the pedestal power transmission contact 24.

[0024] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-5, the bottom module surface 36 may include a bottom module power transmission contact 40 that is in conductive communication with the pedestal power transmission contact 24 when the robotic accessory module 18 is connected to the top pedestal surface 20 via the at least one pedestal lock 26. Further, the surgical system 10 may include a control system 100 configured to communicate instructions to the least one robotic arm 38 via the conductive communication between the bottom module power transmission contact 40 and the pedestal power transmission contact 24. In this way, staff of the medical environment 12 can quickly and efficiently place both the operating table 16 and the robotic accessory module 18 on the pedestal 14 based on a selection of the functionalities of the at least one robotic arm 38. Further, when, for example, one or more of the pedestal 14, the operating table 16, and / or the robotic accessory module 18 include components that need servicing, the operating table 16 and the robotic accessory module 18 can be quickly removed such that whichever component needs servicing can be isolated and the other components can continue to be utilized in operations. In addition, because the pedestal 14 articulates both the operating table 16 and the robotic accessory module 18 together, removal or readjustment of the at least one robotic arm 38 becomes unnecessary. As will be appreciated with further reading (e.g., FIGS. 3-5), the robotic accessory module 18 may be permanently coupled to the operating table 16 or selectively coupled to the operating table 16 (e.g., FIGS. 6-8) based on specific implementations. In this way, switching between the pedestal 14, the operating table 16, and / or the robotic accessory module 18 can be completed on a component-by-component basis for the above-described benefits for optimizing a variety of surgical scenarios. For example, based on the number, type, and tools associated with the robotic arms 38.

[0025] With reference now specifically to FIGS. 1 and 2, the pedestal 14 is configured to selectively tilt, based on instructions from the control system 100, the operating table 16 about a longitudinal axis L(a) and a transverse axis T(a). A camera 42 may be configured to capture image data 44 within a field-of-view ("FOV") of a patient operating region 45 that, for example, may be generated on a display module 46 during an operation. The medical environment 12 may include an operating room where various robot-assisted medical procedures can be completed. Generally speaking, the benefits associated with the surgicalsystem 10 can be realized in any type of robot-assisted medical procedure where robotic arms 38 are utilized. More particularly, the operating table 16 may extend along the longitudinal axis L(a) between a first end 48 and a second end 50 and the transverse axis T(a) between a pair of sides 52.

[0026] In operation, a patient "P" will generally lie on the operating table 16 lengthwise (e.g., foot to head) in either an upward or downward facing orientation that extends along the longitudinal axis L(a). The patient operating table 16 may include one or more straps 54 that secure the patient P to the operating table 16 as the operating table 16 is tilted about the longitudinal axis L(a) and the transverse axis T(a) to prevent the patient from moving during articulation. Unless the patient operating region 45 (e.g., the portion of the patient's P body receiving the surgical intervention) is disposed directly under the pedestal 14, the patient operating region 45 may move along a vertical axis V(a) as a result of tilting along the longitudinal axis L(a) and / or the transverse axis T(a). Further, portions of the operating table 16 will typically move or articulate along the vertical axis V(a) as the operating table 16 is tilted about the longitudinal axis L(a) and the transverse axis T(a), with the largest potential movements along the vertical axis V(a) at the first end 48, the second end 50, and / or the sides 52.

[0027] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the at least one robotic arm 38 may include one, two, or more robotic arms 38 that each include various surgical tools 56. For example, these surgical tools may include a variety of cutting, suction, agitating, gripping, heating, cooling, lasering, and other functionalities. While the at least one robotic arm 38 is depicted as two robotic arms 38 located on a single side 52 of the operating table 16, it should be appreciated that the at least one robotic arm 38 may include one or more robotic arms 38 on one side 52 of the operating table 16 and one or more robotic arms 38 on a different side 52 of the operating table 16. In some implementations, the camera 42 is also located on the at least one robotic arm 38. For example, the camera 42 may be located proximate the surgical tool 56 to provide up-to-date visual information on the procedure. In other implementations, one of the robotic arms 38 may include the camera 42 without a surgical tool 56. In still further implementations, in addition to or alternatively from the camera 42 on the at least one robotic arm 38, the camera 42 may be located in other locations such as a wearable device, a moveable boom, or mounted about the medical environment 12.

[0028] The operating table 16 may further include other tools and components, such as, a user interface 58 in communication with the control system 100. The pedestal 14 may include one or more actuators 59 that tilt the operating table 16 along the longitudinal axis L(a) and / or the transverse axis T(a). For example, the actuator 59 may include movable pistons, gear driven arrangements, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and / or the like for tilting the operating table 16 along the longitudinal axis L(a) and / or the transverse axis T(a). In some embodiments, tilting the operating table 16 is controlled by the user interface 58. For example, the user interface 58 may include a plurality of user inputs 60 for controlling the operation of the pedestal 14, the robotic arms 38, the cameras 42, the display module 46, the actuators 59, and other components of the surgical system 10 described herein.

[0029] In the depicted arrangement, the plurality of user inputs 60 includes a foot pedal that can be utilized for controlling the actuators 59 and tilting the operating table 16 along the longitudinal axis L(a) and / or the transverse axis T(a). Further, other inputs 60, for example, proximate the display module 46 may be utilized for controlling the robotic arms 38, the cameras 42, and the actuators 59. In this manner, a surgeon S may be able to simultaneously work the foot pedal while viewing the display module 46 and utilizing the other inputs to control the robotic arms 38 during a surgical procedure. In some implementations, the current position of the operating table 16 may be determined by the image data 44, information from the pedestal 14 (e.g., the actuators 59), and / or one or more positional sensors 47. For example, the one or more positional sensors 47 may be located in the pedestal 14 (e.g., the actuators 59), the operating table 16, and / or combinations thereof. In some implementations, the one or more sensors 47 may further or alternatively be remote sensors 47 capable of determining the position of the operating table 16 via 2D or 3D vision systems, such as stereovision, time-of-flight, and / or the like.

[0030] With reference now to FIGS. 3-5, the robotic accessory module 18 may be configured to lock into the top pedestal surface 20. More particularly, the bottom module surface 36 may include at least one bottom module lock 62 configured to selectively latch to the at least one pedestal lock 26. As depicted, the at least one pedestal lock 26 may include at least two pedestal locks 26 located on diametrically opposite sides of the top pedestal surface 20. In the depicted embodiment, the at least one pedestal lock 26 may include one, two, three, or four pedestal locks 26, which may be substantially equally spaced around the top pedestal surface 20. The bottom module locks 62 may be in equal numbers and locations (e.g., foralignment) of the pedestal locks 26 (e.g., two or more, four, etc.). In this manner, as the operating table 16 is tilted about a longitudinal axis L(a) and a transverse axisT(a), it is securely fixed to the pedestal 14.

[0031] In some implementations, the bottom module surface 36 may include a module pocket 64 sized to accommodate the top pedestal surface 20. The at least one bottom module lock 62 is located in the module pocket 64. More particularly, the module pocket 64 may include module pocket sidewalls 66 that extend to a module pocket floor 68. The bottom module locks 62 may be located on the module pocket sidewalls 66. The pedestal locks 26, on the other hand, may be located on side surfaces 70 of the pedestal 14 proximate the top pedestal surface 20. In the depicted arrangement, the bottom module locks 62 are located in bays 72 defined in the module pocket 64 that received the pedestal locks 26. The pedestal locks 26 and the bottom module locks 62 may selectively lock together via locking components of a variety of different principles. While not limited thereto, the pedestal locks 26 and the bottom module locks 62 may lock via electromagnetics, latches, pawls, pins, wedge interfaces, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the pedestal locks 26 and the bottom module locks 62 are biased to a locked position when the pedestal locks 26 and the bottom module locks 62 are brought into contact. In this manner, the weight of the operating table 16 and the robotic accessory module 18 causes the locking component of at least one of the pedestal locks 26 and the bottom module locks 62 to articulate and snap into the locked position.

[0032] With continued reference to FIGS. 3-5, the bottom module power transmission contact 40 may be located in the module pocket 64. In some implementations, at least one of the bottom module power transmission contact 40 and / or the pedestal power transmission contact 24 may be spring-loaded. For example, the bottom module power transmission contact 40 may be spring-loaded and biased downwardly from the bottom module surface 36. As such, upon connection between the top pedestal surface 20 and the bottom module surface 36, the bottom module power transmission contact 40 is pushed to overcome the downward spring-loaded bias. In some implementations, the module power transmission contact 40 and the pedestal power transmission contact 24 may transmit both power and instructions to the at least one robotic arm 38 and otherfeatures of the operating table 16. For example, the control system 100 may be a singular control unit that transmits instructions through the connection between the module power transmission contact 40 andthe pedestal power transmission contact 24. In other embodiments, control system 100 may include control units in both the pedestal 14 and the robotic accessory module 18 that are in communication (e.g., to provide power or power and control instructions) through the module power transmission contact 40 and the pedestal power transmission contact 24.

[0033] In the depicted implementation in FIGS. 3-5, the robotic accessory module 18 is permanently connected to the operating table 16. In this manner, the robotic accessory module 18 and the operating table 16 are a singular unit that can be quickly selected (e.g., based on availability and the robotic arms 38) and connected to the pedestal 14. In this manner, several robotic accessory modules 18 and the operating table 16 units may be stored and selected for any given pedestal 14 within the medical environment 12. In some implementations, the robotic accessory module 18 may be permanently coupled to the base frame 32 of the operating table 16, for example, via mechanical fasteners, welds, integral components, and / or the like.

[0034] With reference now to FIGS. 6-8, in different arrangements, the robotic accessory module 18 may be selectively coupled to the operating table 16 (i.e., non-permanently connected). In this manner, the robotic accessory module 18 may be stored, serviced, and selected on an individual basis from the operating table 16. As will be described in greater detail below, the top module surface 34 may be a mirror of the top pedestal surface 20 and the operating table 16 may include a region that is a mirror of the bottom module surface 36. More particularly, a bottom operating table surface 74 may include at least one operating table lock 76 configured to selectively latch to the top module surface 34. For example, the top module surface 34 may include at least one top module lock 78. As depicted, the at least one top module lock 78 may include at least one top module lock 78 (e.g., at least two, three, or four) located on diametrically opposite sides of the top module surface 34. In the depicted embodiment, the at least one top module lock 78 includes two top module locks 78, which may be substantially equally spaced around the top module surface 34. The operating table locks 76 may be in equal numbers and locations (e.g., for alignment) of the top module locks 78 (e.g., two or more, four, etc.). In this manner, as the operating table 16 is tilted about a longitudinal axis L(a) and a transverse axis T(a) it is securely fixed to the pedestal 14.

[0035] In some implementations, the bottom operating table surface 74 may include a table pocket 80 sized to accommodate the top module surface 34. The at least one operating table lock 76 is located in the table pocket 80. More particularly, the table pocket 80 may includetable pocket sidewalls 82 extending to a table pocket floor 84. The operating table locks 76 may be located on the table pocket sidewalls 82. The top module locks 78, on the other hand, may be located on a top module projection 86 that may mirror the top pedestal surface 20. More particularly, on side surfaces 87 of the top module projection 86. In the depicted arrangement, the operating table locks 76 are located in bays 88 defined in the table pocket 80 that receives the top module locks 78. The top module locks 78 and the operating table locks 76 may selectively lock together via locking components of a variety of different principles, such as those previously described in reference to the pedestal 14 and bottom module surface 36. While not limited thereto, the top module locks 78 and the operating table locks 76 may lock via electromagnetics, latches, pawls, pins, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the top module locks 78 and the operating table locks 76 are biased to a locked position where the top module locks 78 and the operating table locks 76 are brought into contact. In this manner, the weight of the operating table 16 on the robotic accessory module 18 causes the locking component of at least one of the top module locks 78 and the operating table locks 76 to articulate and snap into the locked position.

[0036] With continued reference to FIGS. 6-8, the top module surface 34 may include a top module power transmission contact 90 and the bottom operating table surface 74 may include an operating table power transmission contact 92, which may be located in the table pocket 80. In some implementations, at least one of the top module power transmission contact 90 and the bottom operating table surface 74 may be spring-loaded. For example, the operating table power transmission contact 92 may be spring-loaded and biased downwardly from the bottom operating table surface 74. As such, upon connection between the top module surface 34 and the bottom operating table surface 74, the operating table power transmission contact 92 is pushed upwardly against the spring-loaded and upward bias of the top module power transmission contact 90. In some implementations, the top module power transmission contact 90 and the operating table power transmission contact 92 may transmit both power and instructions to the at least one robotic arm 38 and other features of the operating table 16. For example, the control system 100 may be a singular control unit that transmits instructions through the connection between the top module power transmission contact 90 and the operating table power transmission contact 92. In other embodiments, control system 100 may include control units in the pedestal 14, the operating table 16, and the robotic accessory module 18 that are in communication (e.g., to providepower or power and control instructions) through the top module power transmission contact 90 and the operating table power transmission contact 92.

[0037] In the arrangement depicted in FIGS. 6-8, different operating tables 16 can be exchanged with different robotic accessory modules 18. In this manner, operating tables 16 have different components, sizes, and shapes that can be easily exchanged with robotic accessory modules 18 having different robotic arms 38. Because the top module surface 34 matches the top pedestal surface 20, the operating tables 16 can also be directly coupled to the pedestal 14 for medical operations without robotic assistance. Further, each of the pedestal 14, the operating table 16, and the robotic accessory module 18 can be individually serviced or replaced while the other components remain available for use.

[0038] FIG. 9 illustrates the control system 100 associated with the surgical system 10 which may be in operable communication with the pedestal 14, the patient operating table 16, the robotic arms 38, other components of the surgical system 10, and / or other components of the medical environment 12. As explained previously, the control system 100 may be located in the pedestal 14, the operating table 16, or the robotic accessory module 18. Further components of the control system 100 may be located in two or more of the pedestal 14, the operating table 16, and / or the robotic accessory module 18. In some implementations, the control system 100 is configured to power components of the operating table 16 and the robotic accessory module 18 through the pedestal 14. In some implementations, the control system 100 is configured to transmit instructions and information to and / or from the operating table 16 and the robotic accessory module 18 through the pedestal 14. The control system 100 may include an electronic control unit (ECU) 102. The ECU 102 may include the processor 104 and a memory 106. The processor 104 may include any suitable processor 104. Additionally, or alternatively, the ECU 102 may include any suitable number of processors, in addition to or other than the processor 104. The memory 106 may comprise a single disk or a plurality of disks (e.g., hard drives), and includes a storage management module that manages one or more partitions within the memory 106. In some embodiments, the memory 106 may include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory, a database accessible via a cloud, a non-transitory storage medium, a combination thereof, and / or the like. The memory 106 may include Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), or a combination thereof.

[0039] The memory 106 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 104, cause the processor 104 to, at least, perform the functions and method steps as described herein. For example, the memory 106 may contain software 108. The software 108 may include instructions for generating usage data about the surgical system 10, such as logs of which of the pedestal 14, the operating table 16, and / or the robotic accessory module 18 are connected to one another and the availability of these components. Further, the memory 106 may include a robotic accessory module identifier module 110 that identifies which robotic arms 38 are associated with the robotic accessory module 18. In this manner, the control system 100 may identify the robotic accessory module 18 and modify functions of the inputs 60 associated with the user interface 58 and / or reconfigure a layout, for example, of a touch interface or an interface displayed on a display module 46. Further, the memory 106 may include operational parameter data 112 that interrogates the pedestal 14, the operating table 16, and / or the robotic accessory module 18 to ensure correct connection and communication between the pedestal 14 and the robotic accessory module 18 (e.g., between the pedestal power transmission contact 24 and the bottom module power transmission contact 40). Further, when the robotic accessory module 18 is selectively coupled to the operation table 16, such as the arrangement depicted in FIGS. 6-8, the operational parameter data 112 may ensure correct connection and communication with the robotic accessory module 18 and the operating table 16 (e.g., between the top module power transmission contact 90 and the operating table power transmission contact 92).

[0040] Further examples of the disclosure are described with reference to the following numbered clauses:Clause 1. A surgical system comprising:a pedestal extending between a top pedestal surface and a bottom pedestal surface, the top pedestal surface including a pedestal power transmission contact and at least one pedestal lock, the pedestal configured to be coupled to a power source and transmit power via the pedestal power transmission contact;an operating table including a patient support surface and a base frame; and a robotic accessory module extending between a top module surface coupled to the operating table and a bottom module surface configured to be selectively connected to and removed from the top pedestal surface via the at least one pedestal lock, the roboticaccessory module including at least one robotic arm that is configured to receive power from the pedestal power transmission contact.Clause 2. The surgical system of Clause 1, wherein the bottom module surface includes a bottom module power transmission contact that is in conductive communication with the pedestal power transmission contact when the robotic accessory module is connected to the top pedestal surface via the at least one pedestal lock.Clause 3. The surgical system of Clause 2, further including a control system configured to communicate instructions to the at least one robotic arm via the conductive communication between the bottom module power transmission contact and the pedestal power transmission contact.Clause 4. The surgical system as in Clause 2 or Clause 3, wherein the bottom module surface includes at least one bottom module lock configured to selectively latch to the at least one pedestal lock.Clause 5. The surgical system of Clause 4, wherein the at least one bottom module lock includes at least two bottom module locks spaced from one another on the bottom module surface.Clause 6. The surgical system of Clause 5, wherein the at least one pedestal lock includes at least two pedestal locks spaced from one another on the top pedestal surface for alignment with the at least two bottom module locks.Clause 7. The surgical system as in any of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the bottom module surface includes a module pocket sized to accommodate the top pedestal surface.Clause 8. The surgical system of Clause 7, when dependent on Clause 4, wherein the at least one bottom module lock is located in the module pocket.Clause 9. The surgical system as in Clause 7 or Clause 8, wherein the bottom module power transmission contact is located in the module pocket.Clause 10. The surgical system of any preceding Clause, wherein at least one of the bottom module power transmission contact and the pedestal power transmission contact is spring-loaded.Clause 11. The surgical system of Clause 10, wherein the bottom module power transmission contact is spring-loaded and biased downwardly from the bottom module surface.Clause 12. The surgical system of Clause 11, wherein, upon connection between the top pedestal surface and the bottom module surface, the bottom module power transmission contact is pushed against the spring-loaded and upward bias.Clause 13. The surgical system as in one of Clauses 1 to 12, wherein the robotic accessory module is permanently connected to the operating table.Clause 14. The surgical system of Clause 13, wherein the robotic accessory module is permanently connected to the base frame.Clause 15. The surgical system as in any of Clauses 1 to 14, wherein the top module surface includes at least one top module lock and the operating table is configured to be selectively connected to and removed from the top module surface via the at least one top module lock.Clause 16. The surgical system of Clause 15, wherein the top module surface includes a top module power transmission contact that is in conductive communication with one or more electronic components of the operating table.Clause 17. The surgical system of Clause 16, wherein the base frame includes an operating table power transmission contact that is in conductive communication with the top modulepower transmission contact when the robotic accessory module is connected to the operating table via the at least one top module lock.Clause 18. The surgical system of Clause 17, wherein the base frame includes at least one operating table lock configured to selectively latch to the at least one top module lock.Clause 19. The surgical system of any of Clauses 15 to 18, wherein the at least one top module lock includes at least two top module locks spaced from one another on the top module surface.Clause 20. The surgical system of Clause 19, wherein the at least one operating table lock includes at least two operating table locks spaced from one another on the bottom module surface for alignment with the at least two top module locks.Clause 21. The surgical system as in any preceding Clause, wherein the base frame includes a table pocket sized to accommodate the top module surface.Clause 22. The surgical system as in any preceding Clause, wherein the pedestal is configured to articulate the operating table about a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis.Clause 23. A robotic accessory module for an operating table, comprising:a top module surface including at least one top module lock configured to be selectively connected to and removed from an operating table;a bottom module surface including at least one bottom module lock configured to be selectively connected to and removed from a pedestal; andat least one robotic arm.Clause 24. The robotic accessory module of Clause 23, wherein the bottom module surface includes a bottom module power transmission contact configured to be in conductive communication with the pedestal.Clause 25. The robotic accessory module of Clause 24, wherein the at least one robotic arm is in conductive communication with the bottom module power transmission contact.Clause 26. The robotic accessory module of Clause 25, wherein the at least one robotic arm is configured to receive operational instructions communicated from a control system via the bottom module power transmission contact.Clause 27. The robotic accessory module as in Clause 25 or Clause 26, wherein the top module surface includes a top module power transmission contact configured to be in conductive communication with one or more electronic components of the operating table.Clause 28. The robotic accessory module of any of Clauses 23 to 27, wherein the bottom module surface includes a module pocket sized to accommodate a top pedestal surface.Clause 29. The robotic accessory module of Clause 28, wherein the at least one bottom module lock is located in the module pocket.Clause 30. The robotic accessory module as in Clause 28 or Clause 29, when dependent on Clause 24, wherein the bottom module power transmission contact is located in the module pocket.Clause 31. The robotic accessory module as in any of Clauses 23-30, wherein the at least one top module lock includes at least two top module locks spaced from one another on the top module surface.Clause 32. The robotic accessory module as in any of Clauses 23-30, wherein the at least one bottom module lock includes at least two bottom module locks spaced from one another on the bottom module surface.Clause 33. An operating table comprising:a patient support surface and a base frame; anda robotic accessory module comprising:at least one robotic arm;a top module surface connected to the base frame; anda bottom module surface including at least one bottom module lock configured to be selectively connected to and removed from a pedestal and a bottom module power transmission contact configured to be in conductive communication with the pedestal.Clause 34. The operating table of Clause 33, wherein the bottom module surface includes a module pocket sized to accommodate a top pedestal surface.Clause 35. The operating table of Clause 34, wherein the at least one bottom module lock is located in the module pocket.Clause 36. The operating table as in Clause 34 or Clause 35, wherein the bottom module power transmission contact is located in the module pocket.Clause 37. The operating table of any of Clauses 33 to 36, wherein the at least one robotic arm is in conductive communication with the bottom module power transmission contact.Clause 38. The operating table of Clause 37, wherein the at least one robotic arm is configured to receive operational instructions communicated from a control system via the bottom module power transmission contact.Clause 39. A surgical system comprising:a pedestal extending between a top pedestal surface and a bottom pedestal surface, the top pedestal surface including a pedestal power transmission contact and at least one pedestal lock, the pedestal configured to be coupled to a power source and transmit power via the pedestal power transmission contact;at least one operating table including a patient support surface and a base frame; and a plurality of robotic accessory modules, each of the plurality of robotic accessory modules extending between a top module surface configured to be coupled to the operating table and a bottom module surface configured to be selectively connected to and removedfrom the top pedestal surface via the at least one pedestal lock, the plurality of robotic accessory modules each including at least one robotic arm, and wherein the at least one robotic arm of at least two of the plurality of robotic accessory modules is different.Clause 40. The surgical system of Clause 39, wherein the bottom module surfaces each include a bottom module power transmission contact that is in conductive communication with the pedestal power transmission contact when a selected robotic accessory module of the plurality of robotic accessory modules is connected to the top pedestal surface via the at least one pedestal lock.Clause 41. The surgical system of Clause 39 or Clause 40, wherein the at least one robotic arm of each robotic accessory module is configured to receive power from the pedestal power transmission contact.Clause 42. The surgical system of Clause 41, further including a control system configured to communicate instructions to the at least one robotic arm of each robotic accessory module via the conductive communication between the bottom module power transmission contact and the pedestal power transmission contact.

[0041] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

[0042] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

[0043] As used herein, the term "about" means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but maybe approximate and / or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. When the term "about" is used in describing a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end-point referred to. Whether or not a numerical value or end-point of a range in the specification recites "about," the numerical value or end-point of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about," and one not modified by "about." It will be further understood that the end-points of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other end-point, and independently of the other end-point.

[0044] The terms "substantial," "substantially," and variations thereof as used herein are intended to note that a described feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to denote a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Moreover, "substantially" is intended to denote that two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may denote values within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0045] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and / or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0046] It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A surgical system comprising:a pedestal extending between a top pedestal surface and a bottom pedestal surface, the top pedestal surface including a pedestal power transmission contact and at least one pedestal lock, the pedestal configured to be coupled to a power source and transmit power via the pedestal power transmission contact;an operating table including a patient support surface and a base frame; and a robotic accessory module extending between a top module surface coupled to the operating table and a bottom module surface configured to be selectively connected to and removed from the top pedestal surface via the at least one pedestal lock, the robotic accessory module including at least one robotic arm that is configured to receive power from the pedestal power transmission contact.

2. The surgical system of claim 1, wherein the bottom module surface includes a bottom module power transmission contact that is in conductive communication with the pedestal power transmission contact when the robotic accessory module is connected to the top pedestal surface via the at least one pedestal lock.

3. The surgical system of claim 2, further including a control system configured to communicate instructions to the at least one robotic arm via the conductive communication between the bottom module power transmission contact and the pedestal power transmission contact.

4. The surgical system as in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the bottom module surface includes at least one bottom module lock configured to selectively latch to the at least one pedestal lock.

5. The surgical system of claim 4, wherein the at least one bottom module lock includes at least two bottom module locks spaced from one another on the bottom module surface.

6. The surgical system of claim 5, wherein the at least one pedestal lock includes at least two pedestal locks spaced from one another on the top pedestal surface for alignment with the at least two bottom module locks.

7. The surgical system of any preceding claim, wherein the bottom module surface includes a module pocket sized to accommodate the top pedestal surface.

8. The surgical system of claim 7, when dependent on claim 4, wherein the at least one bottom module lock is located in the module pocket.

9. The surgical system as in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the bottom module power transmission contact is located in the module pocket.

10. The surgical system of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the bottom module power transmission contact and the pedestal power transmission contact is spring-loaded.

11. The surgical system of any preceding claim, wherein the robotic accessory module is permanently connected to one of the operating table or the base frame.

12. The surgical system of any preceding claim, wherein the operating table is configured to be selectively connected to and removed from the top module surface, and the top module surface includes a top module power transmission contact that is in conductive communication with one or more electronic components of the operating table.

13. A surgical system comprising:a pedestal extending between a top pedestal surface and a bottom pedestal surface, an operating table including a patient support surface;a control system configured to tilt the operating table to a variety of positions; and a robotic accessory module extending between a first module surface configured to be coupled to the operating table, a second module surface configured to be selectively connected to and removed from the top pedestal surface, the robotic accessory module including at least one robotic arm; andwherein, when the control system tilts the operating table, the accessory module tilts a corresponding amount due to the coupling of the first module surface to the operating table.

14. The surgical system of claim 13, wherein the accessory module includes a power transmission contact that is in conductive communication with a pedestal power transmission contact when the robotic accessory module is connected to the pedestal.

15. The surgical system of claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising a pedestal lock configured to lock the pedestal to the robotic accessory module.

16. The surgical system of claims 13 to 15, wherein the at least one robotic arm is configured to receive power from the pedestal.

17. The surgical system of any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the control system is configured to communicate instructions to the at least one robotic arm of the robotic accessory module via communication between the pedestal and the robotic accessory module.

18. An operating table for a surgical system comprising:a patient support surface and a base frame; anda robotic accessory module comprising:at least one robotic arm;a top module surface connected to the base frame; anda bottom module surface configured to be selectively connected to and removed from a pedestal and including a bottom module power transmission contact configured to be in conductive communication with the pedestal.

19. The operating table of claim 18, wherein the bottom module surface includes a module pocket sized to accommodate a top pedestal surface, and at least one bottom module lock is located in the module pocket that configured to selectively lock onto the pedestal.

20. The operating table of claim 18 or 19, further including a control system in operable communication with the pedestal and configured to tilt the operating table and robotic accessory module together about a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis.

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