ABSTRACT
Abstract
A surgical instrument is disclosed including a housing and a tool assembly. The housing includes a power source configured to generate electrical power, a control unit in electrical communication with the power source, and a first element coupled with the control unit. The tool assembly includes a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples and a second element separate from the first element. The control unit is configured to effect wireless transmission of the electrical power from the first element to the second element. The wireless transmission of electrical power energizes the second element from a passive state to an energized state. When in an energized state, the second element is configured to selectively communicate data received from a sensor to the control unit. The tool assembly is remote from the housing. The second element includes a microchip that includes a dynamic memory device and a non-dynamic memory device.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application is a continuation application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/176,671, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A CONTROL UNIT OF A ROBOTIC SYSTEM AND REMOTE SENSOR, filed Feb. 10, 2014, which is a continuation application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,259, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A CONTROL UNIT OF A ROBOTIC SYSTEM AND REMOTE SENSOR, filed May 27, 2011, which issued on Apr. 1, 2014 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,684,253, which is a continuation-in-part application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/651,807, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CONTROL UNIT AND REMOTE SENSOR, filed Jan. 10, 2007, which issued on Jun. 11, 2013 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,459,520, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
The above listed application are related to the following U.S. Patent Applications, filed Jan. 10, 2007, which are also incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties:
(1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/651,715, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CONTROL UNIT AND SENSOR TRANSPONDERS, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,652,120;
(2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/651,806, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ELEMENTS TO COMMUNICATE BETWEEN CONTROL UNIT AND END EFFECTOR, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,954,682;
(3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/651,768, entitled PREVENTION OF CARTRIDGE REUSE IN A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,721,931;
(4) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/651,771, entitled POST-STERILIZATION PROGRAMMING OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,738,971;
(5) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/651,788, entitled INTERLOCK AND SURGICAL INSTRUMENT INCLUDING SAME, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,721,936; and
(6) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/651,785, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ENHANCED BATTERY PERFORMANCE, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,900,805.
BACKGROUND
Known surgical staplers include an end effector that simultaneously makes a longitudinal incision in tissue and applies lines of staples on opposing sides of the incision. The end effector includes a pair of cooperating jaw members that, if the instrument is intended for endoscopic or laparoscopic applications, are capable of passing through a cannula passageway. One of the jaw members receives a staple cartridge having at least two laterally spaced rows of staples. The other jaw member defines an anvil having staple-forming pockets aligned with the rows of staples in the cartridge. The instrument includes a plurality of reciprocating wedges which, when driven distally, pass through openings in the staple cartridge and engage drivers supporting the staples to effect the firing of the staples toward the anvil.
FIGURES
Various embodiments of the present invention are described herein by way of example in conjunction with the following figures wherein:
FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a surgical instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 3-5 are exploded views of an end effector and shaft of the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a side view of the end effector according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the handle of the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 8 and 9 are partial perspective views of the handle according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a side view of the handle according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 11, 13-14, 16, and 22 are perspective views of a surgical instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 12 and 19 are block diagrams of a control unit according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a side view of an end effector including a sensor transponder according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 17 and 18 show the instrument in a sterile container according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 20 is a block diagram of the remote programming device according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 21 is a diagram of a packaged instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 23 and 24 are perspective views of a surgical instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 25-27 are exploded views of an end effector and shaft of the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 28 is a side view of the end effector according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the handle of the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 30 and 31 are partial perspective views of the handle according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 32 is a side view of the handle according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 33 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a control unit for a surgical instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of one embodiment of the control unit in conjunction with first and second sensor elements for a surgical instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 35 illustrates one embodiment of a surgical instrument comprising a first element located in a free rotating joint portion of a shaft of the surgical instrument;
FIG. 36 illustrates one embodiment of a surgical instrument comprising sensor elements disposed at various locations on a shaft of the surgical instrument;
FIG. 37 illustrates one embodiment of a surgical instrument where a shaft of the surgical instrument serves as part of an antenna for a control unit;
FIGS. 38 and 39 are perspective views of a surgical instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 40A is an exploded view of the end effector according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 40B is a perspective view of the cutting instrument of FIG. 40A ;
FIGS. 41 and 42 are exploded views of an end effector and shaft of the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 43 is a side view of the end effector according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 44 is an exploded view of the handle of the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 45 and 46 are partial perspective views of the handle according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 47 is a side view of the handle according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 48 and 49 illustrate a proportional sensor that may be used according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 50 is a block diagram of a control unit according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 51-53 and FIG. 63 are perspective views of a surgical instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 54 is a bottom view of a portion of a staple cartridge according to various embodiments;
FIGS. 55 and 57 are circuit diagrams of a transponder according to various embodiments;
FIG. 56 is a bottom view of a portion of a staple cartridge according to various embodiments;
FIG. 58 is a perspective view of a staple cartridge tray according to various embodiments;
FIGS. 59 and 60 are circuit diagrams of a transponder according to various embodiments;
FIG. 61 is a flow diagram of a method of preventing reuse of a staple cartridge in surgical instrument according to various embodiments;
FIG. 62 is a block diagram of a circuit for preventing operation of the motor according to various embodiments;
FIGS. 64 and 65 are perspective views of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 66A is an exploded view of the end effector according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 66B is a perspective view of the cutting instrument of FIG. 66A ;
FIGS. 67 and 68 are exploded views of an end effector and shaft of the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 69 is a side view of the end effector according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 70 is an exploded view of the handle of the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 71 and 72 are partial perspective views of the handle according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 73 is a side view of the handle according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 74-75 illustrate a proportional sensor that may be used according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 76-90 illustrate mechanical blocking mechanisms and the sequential operation of each according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 91-92 illustrate schematic diagrams of circuits used in the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 93 is a flow diagram of a process implemented by the microcontroller of FIG. 92 according to various embodiments of the present invention; and
FIG. 94 is a flow diagram of a process implemented by an interlock according to various embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed generally to a surgical instrument having at least one remote sensor transponder and means for communicating power and/or data signals to the transponder(s) from a control unit. The present invention may be used with any type of surgical instrument comprising at least one sensor transponder, such as endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical instruments, but is particularly useful for surgical instruments where some feature of the instrument, such as a free rotating joint, prevents or otherwise inhibits the use of a wired connection to the sensor(s). Before describing aspects of the system, one type of surgical instrument in which embodiments of the present invention may be usedâan endoscopic stapling and cutting instrument (i.e., an endocutter)âis first described by way of illustration.
FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an endoscopic surgical instrument 10 that comprises a handle 6 , a shaft 8 , and an articulating end effector 12 pivotally connected to the shaft 8 at an articulation pivot 14 . Correct placement and orientation of
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application is a continuation application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/176,671, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A CONTROL UNIT OF A ROBOTIC SYSTEM AND REMOTE SENSOR, filed Feb. 10, 2014, which is a continuation application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,259, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A CONTROL UNIT OF A ROBOTIC SYSTEM AND REMOTE SENSOR, filed May 27, 2011, which issued on Apr. 1, 2014 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,684,253, which is a continuation-in-part application claiming priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/651,807, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CONTROL UNIT AND REMOTE SENSOR, filed Jan. 10, 2007, which issued on Jun. 11, 2013 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,459,520, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
The above listed application are related to the following U.S. Patent Applications, filed Jan. 10, 2007, which are also incorporated herein by reference in their respective entireties:
(1) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/651,715, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CONTROL UNIT AND SENSOR TRANSPONDERS, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,652,120;
(2) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/651,806, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ELEMENTS TO COMMUNICATE BETWEEN CONTROL UNIT AND END EFFECTOR, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,954,682;
(3) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/651,768, entitled PREVENTION OF CARTRIDGE REUSE IN A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,721,931;
(4) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/651,771, entitled POST-STERILIZATION PROGRAMMING OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,738,971;
(5) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/651,788, entitled INTERLOCK AND SURGICAL INSTRUMENT INCLUDING SAME, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,721,936; and
(6) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/651,785, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ENHANCED BATTERY PERFORMANCE, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,900,805.
BACKGROUND
Known surgical staplers include an end effector that simultaneously makes a longitudinal incision in tissue and applies lines of staples on opposing sides of the incision. The end effector includes a pair of cooperating jaw members that, if the instrument is intended for endoscopic or laparoscopic applications, are capable of passing through a cannula passageway. One of the jaw members receives a staple cartridge having at least two laterally spaced rows of staples. The other jaw member defines an anvil having staple-forming pockets aligned with the rows of staples in the cartridge. The instrument includes a plurality of reciprocating wedges which, when driven distally, pass through openings in the staple cartridge and engage drivers supporting the staples to effect the firing of the staples toward the anvil.
FIGURES
Various embodiments of the present invention are described herein by way of example in conjunction with the following figures wherein:
FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a surgical instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 3-5 are exploded views of an end effector and shaft of the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a side view of the end effector according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the handle of the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 8 and 9 are partial perspective views of the handle according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a side view of the handle according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 11, 13-14, 16, and 22 are perspective views of a surgical instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 12 and 19 are block diagrams of a control unit according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a side view of an end effector including a sensor transponder according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 17 and 18 show the instrument in a sterile container according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 20 is a block diagram of the remote programming device according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 21 is a diagram of a packaged instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 23 and 24 are perspective views of a surgical instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 25-27 are exploded views of an end effector and shaft of the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 28 is a side view of the end effector according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the handle of the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 30 and 31 are partial perspective views of the handle according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 32 is a side view of the handle according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 33 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a control unit for a surgical instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of one embodiment of the control unit in conjunction with first and second sensor elements for a surgical instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 35 illustrates one embodiment of a surgical instrument comprising a first element located in a free rotating joint portion of a shaft of the surgical instrument;
FIG. 36 illustrates one embodiment of a surgical instrument comprising sensor elements disposed at various locations on a shaft of the surgical instrument;
FIG. 37 illustrates one embodiment of a surgical instrument where a shaft of the surgical instrument serves as part of an antenna for a control unit;
FIGS. 38 and 39 are perspective views of a surgical instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 40A is an exploded view of the end effector according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 40B is a perspective view of the cutting instrument of FIG. 40A ;
FIGS. 41 and 42 are exploded views of an end effector and shaft of the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 43 is a side view of the end effector according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 44 is an exploded view of the handle of the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 45 and 46 are partial perspective views of the handle according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 47 is a side view of the handle according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 48 and 49 illustrate a proportional sensor that may be used according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 50 is a block diagram of a control unit according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 51-53 and FIG. 63 are perspective views of a surgical instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 54 is a bottom view of a portion of a staple cartridge according to various embodiments;
FIGS. 55 and 57 are circuit diagrams of a transponder according to various embodiments;
FIG. 56 is a bottom view of a portion of a staple cartridge according to various embodiments;
FIG. 58 is a perspective view of a staple cartridge tray according to various embodiments;
FIGS. 59 and 60 are circuit diagrams of a transponder according to various embodiments;
FIG. 61 is a flow diagram of a method of preventing reuse of a staple cartridge in surgical instrument according to various embodiments;
FIG. 62 is a block diagram of a circuit for preventing operation of the motor according to various embodiments;
FIGS. 64 and 65 are perspective views of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 66A is an exploded view of the end effector according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 66B is a perspective view of the cutting instrument of FIG. 66A ;
FIGS. 67 and 68 are exploded views of an end effector and shaft of the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 69 is a side view of the end effector according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 70 is an exploded view of the handle of the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 71 and 72 are partial perspective views of the handle according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 73 is a side view of the handle according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 74-75 illustrate a proportional sensor that may be used according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 76-90 illustrate mechanical blocking mechanisms and the sequential operation of each according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIGS. 91-92 illustrate schematic diagrams of circuits used in the instrument according to various embodiments of the present invention;
FIG. 93 is a flow diagram of a process implemented by the microcontroller of FIG. 92 according to various embodiments of the present invention; and
FIG. 94 is a flow diagram of a process implemented by an interlock according to various embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed generally to a surgical instrument having at least one remote sensor transponder and means for communicating power and/or data signals to the transponder(s) from a control unit. The present invention may be used with any type of surgical instrument comprising at least one sensor transponder, such as endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical instruments, but is particularly useful for surgical instruments where some feature of the instrument, such as a free rotating joint, prevents or otherwise inhibits the use of a wired connection to the sensor(s). Before describing aspects of the system, one type of surgical instrument in which embodiments of the present invention may be usedâan endoscopic stapling and cutting instrument (i.e., an endocutter)âis first described by way of illustration.
FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an endoscopic surgical instrument 10 that comprises a handle 6 , a shaft 8 , and an articulating end effector 12 pivotally connected to the shaft 8 at an articulation pivot 14 . Correct placement and orientation of the end effector 12 may be facilitated by controls on the hand 6 , including (1) a rotation knob 28 for rotating the closure tube (described in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 4-5 ) at a free rotating joint 29 of the shaft 8 to thereby rotate the end effector 12 and (2) an articulation control 16 to effect rotational articulation of the end effector 12 about the articulation pivot 14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the end effector 12 is configured to act as an endocutter for clamping, severing and stapling tissue, although in other embodiments, different types of end effectors may be used, such as end effectors for other types of surgical instruments, such as graspers, cutters, staplers, clip appliers, access devices, drug/gene therapy devices, ultrasound, RF or laser devices, etc.
The handle 6 of the instrument 10 may include a closure trigger 18 and a firing trigger 20 for actuating the end effector 12 . It will be appreciated that instruments having end effectors directed to different surgical tasks may have different numbers or types of triggers or other suitable controls for operating the end effector 12 . The end effector 12 is shown separated from the handle 6 by the preferably elongate shaft 8 . In one embodiment, a clinician or operator of the instrument 10 may articulate the end effector 12 relative to the shaft 8 by utilizing the articulation control 16 , as described in more detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/329,020, filed Jan. 10, 2006, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING AN ARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The end effector 12 includes in this example, among other things, a staple channel 22 and a pivotally translatable clamping member, such as an anvil 24 , which are maintained at a spacing that assures effective stapling and severing of tissue clamped in the end effector 12 . The handle 6 includes a pistol grip 26 towards which a closure trigger 18 is pivotally drawn by the clinician to cause clamping or closing of the anvil 24 toward the staple channel 22 of the end effector 12 to thereby clamp tissue positioned between the anvil 24 and channel 22 . The firing trigger 20 is farther outboard of the closure trigger 18 . Once the closure trigger 18 is locked in the closure position, the firing trigger 20 may rotate slightly toward the pistol grip 26 so that it can be reached by the operator using one hand. Then the operator may pivotally draw the firing trigger 20 toward the pistol grip 12 to cause the stapling and severing of clamped tissue in the end effector 12 . U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/343,573, filed Jan. 31, 2006, entitled MOTOR-DRIVEN SURGICAL CUTTING AND FASTENING INSTRUMENT WITH LOADING FORCE FEEDBACK, (the '573 application) which is incorporated herein by reference, describes various configurations for locking and unlocking the closure trigger 18 . In other embodiments, different types of clamping members besides the anvil 24 could be used, such as, for example, an opposing jaw, etc.
It will be appreciated that the terms âproximalâ and âdistalâ are used herein with reference to a clinician gripping the handle 6 of an instrument 10 . Thus, the end effector 12 is distal with respect to the more proximal handle 6 . It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as âverticalâ and âhorizontalâ are used herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and absolute.
The closure trigger 18 may be actuated first. Once the clinician is satisfied with the positioning of the end effector 12 , the clinician may draw back the closure trigger 18 to its fully closed, locked position proximate to the pistol grip 26 . The firing trigger 20 may then be actuated. The firing trigger 20 returns to the open position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ) when the clinician removes pressure. A release button 30 on the handle 6 , and in this example, on the pistol grip 26 of the handle, when depressed may release the locked closure trigger 18 .
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the end effector 12 according to various embodiments. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the end effector 12 may include, in addition to the previously-mentioned channel 22 and anvil 24 , a cutting instrument 32 , a sled 33 , a staple cartridge 34 that is removably seated in the channel 22 , and a helical screw shaft 36 . The cutting instrument 32 may be, for example, a knife. The anvil 24 may be pivotably opened and closed at a pivot point 25 connected to the proximate end of the channel 22 . The anvil 24 may also include a tab 27 at its proximate end that is inserted into a component of the mechanical closure system (described further below) to open and close the anvil 24 . When the closure trigger 18 is actuated, that is, drawn in by a user of the instrument 10 , the anvil 24 may pivot about the pivot point 25 into the clamped or closed position. If clamping of the end effector 12 is satisfactory, the operator may actuate the firing trigger 20 , which, as explained in more detail below, causes the knife 32 and sled 33 to travel longitudinally along the channel 22 , thereby cutting tissue clamped within the end effector 12 . The movement of the sled 33 along the channel 22 causes the staples of the staple cartridge 34 to be driven through the severed tissue and against the closed anvil 24 , which turns the staples to fasten the severed tissue. U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,921, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENT INCORPORATING AN E-BEAM FIRING MECHANISM, which is incorporated herein by reference, provides more details about such two-stroke cutting and fastening instruments. The sled 33 may be part of the cartridge 34 , such that when the knife 32 retracts following the cutting operation, the sled 33 does not retract. The channel 22 and the anvil 24 may be made of an electrically conductive material (such as metal) so that they may serve as part of the antenna that communicates with the sensor(s) in the end effector, as described further below. The cartridge 34 could be made of a nonconductive material (such as plastic) and the sensor may be connected to or disposed in the cartridge 34 , as described further below.
It should be noted that although the embodiments of the instrument 10 described herein employ an end effector 12 that staples the severed tissue, in other embodiments different techniques for fastening or sealing the severed tissue may be used. For example, end effectors that use RF energy or adhesives to fasten the severed tissue may also be used. U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,680, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,688,270, entitled ELECTROSURGICAL HEMOSTATIC DEVICE WITH RECESSED AND/OR OFFSET ELECTRODES, which are incorporated herein by reference, discloses cutting instruments that use RF energy to fasten the severed tissue. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/267,811, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,673,783 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/267,383, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,607,557, which are also incorporated herein by reference, disclose cutting instruments that use adhesives to fasten the severed tissue. Accordingly, although the description herein refers to cutting/stapling operations and the like, it should be recognized that this is an exemplary embodiment and is not meant to be limiting. Other tissue-fastening techniques may also be used.
FIGS. 4 and 5 are exploded views and FIG. 6 is a side view of the end effector 12 and shaft 8 according to various embodiments. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 8 may include a proximate closure tube 40 and a distal closure tube 42 pivotably linked by a pivot links 44 . The distal closure tube 42 includes an opening 45 into which the tab 27 on the anvil 24 is inserted in order to open and close the anvil 24 . Disposed inside the closure tubes
40 , 42 may be a proximate spine tube 46 . Disposed inside the proximate spine tube 46 may be a main rotational (or proximate) drive shaft 48 that communicates with a secondary (or distal) drive shaft 50 via a bevel gear assembly 52 . The secondary drive shaft 50 is connected to a drive gear 54 that engages a proximate drive gear 56 of the helical screw shaft 36 . The vertical bevel gear 52 b may sit and pivot in an opening 57 in the distal end of the proximate spine tube 46 . A distal spine tube 58 may be used to enclose the secondary drive shaft 50 and the drive gears 54 , 56 . Collectively, the main drive shaft 48 , the secondary drive shaft 50 , and the articulation assembly (e.g., the bevel gear assembly 52 a - c ), are sometimes referred to herein as the âmain drive shaft assembly.â The closure tubes
40 , 42 may be made of electrically conductive material (such as metal) so that they may serve as part of the antenna, as described further below. Components of the main drive shaft assembly (e.g., the drive shafts 48 , 50 ) may be made of a nonconductive material (such as plastic).
A bearing 38 , positioned at a distal end of the staple channel 22 , receives the helical drive screw 36 , allowing the helical drive screw 36 to freely rotate with respect to the channel 22 . The helical screw shaft 36 may interface a threaded opening (not shown) of the knife 32 such that rotation of the shaft 36 causes the knife 32 to translate distally or proximately (depending on the direction of the rotation) through the staple channel 22 . Accordingly, when the main drive shaft 48 is caused to rotate by actuation of the firing trigger 20 (as explained in more detail below), the bevel gear assembly 52 a - c causes the secondary drive shaft 50 to rotate, which in turn, because of the engagement of the drive gears 54 , 56 , causes the helical screw shaft 36 to rotate, which causes the knife 32 to travel longitudinally along the channel 22 to cut any tissue clamped within the end effector. The sled 33 may be made of, for example, plastic, and may have a sloped distal surface. As the sled 33 traverses the channel 22 , the sloped forward surface may push up or drive the staples in the staple cartridge 34 through the clamped tissue and against the anvil 24 . The anvil 24 turns the staples, thereby stapling the severed tissue. When the knife 32 is retracted, the knife 32 and sled 33 may become disengaged, thereby leaving the sled 33 at the distal end of the channel 22 .
According to various embodiments, as shown FIGS. 7-10 , the surgical instrument may include a battery 64 in the handle 6 . The illustrated embodiment provides user-feedback regarding the deployment and loading force of the cutting instrument in the end effector 12 . In addition, the embodiment may use power provided by the user in retracting the firing trigger 18 to power the instrument 10 (a so-called âpower assistâ mode). As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the handle 6 includes exterior lower side pieces
59 , 60 and exterior upper side pieces
61 , 62 that fit together to form, in general, the exterior of the handle 6 . The handle pieces 59 - 62 may be made of an electrically nonconductive material, such as plastic. A battery 64 may be provided in the pistol grip portion 26 of the handle 6 . The battery 64 powers a motor 65 disposed in an upper portion of the pistol grip portion 26 of the handle 6 . The battery 64 may be constructed according to any suitable construction or chemistry including, for example, a Li-ion chemistry such as LiCoO 2 or LiNiO 2 , a Nickel Metal Hydride chemistry, etc. According to various embodiments, the motor 65 may be a DC brushed driving motor having a maximum rotation of, approximately, 5000 RPM to 100,000 RPM. The motor 64 may drive a 90° bevel gear assembly 66 comprising a first bevel gear 68 and a second bevel gear 70 . The bevel gear assembly 66 may drive a planetary gear assembly 72 . The planetary gear assembly 72 may include a pinion gear 74 connected to a drive shaft 76 . The pinion gear 74 may drive a mating ring gear 78 that drives a <figure-callout id="80" label="helical gear drum" filenames="US10517682-20191231-D00007.png,US10517682-20191231-D00008.png"
CLAIMS
Claims ( 8 )
What is claimed is:
1. A surgical instrument, comprising:
a housing, comprising:
a power source configured to generate electrical power;
a control unit in electrical communication with the power source; and
a first element coupled with the control unit; and
a tool assembly, comprising:
a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein; and
a second element separate from the first element, wherein the control unit is configured to effect wireless transmission of the electrical power from the first element to the second element, wherein the wireless transmission of electrical power energizes the second element from a passive state to an energized state, wherein when in an energized state, the second element is configured to selectively communicate data received from a sensor to the control unit, wherein the tool assembly is remote from the housing, wherein the second element comprises a microchip, and wherein the microchip comprises a dynamic memory device and a non-dynamic memory device.
2. A surgical instrument, comprising:
a housing, comprising:
a distal portion;
a power source configured to generate electrical energy;
a control unit in electrical communication with the power source; and
an energy transmitting member coupled to the control unit;
a shaft, comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the shaft is coupled to the distal portion of the housing; and
a tool assembly, comprising:
a proximal portion, wherein the distal end of the shaft is coupled to the proximal portion;
a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein; and
an energy receiving member, wherein the control unit is configured to effect wireless transmission of the electrical energy from the energy transmitting member to the energy receiving member, wherein the wireless transmission of the electrical energy powers the energy receiving member, wherein when powered, the energy receiving member is configured to selectively communicate data received from a sensor to the control unit, wherein the energy receiving member comprises a microchip, and wherein the microchip comprises a dynamic memory device and a non-dynamic memory device.
3. A surgical instrument, comprising:
a housing, comprising
a power source;
a control unit; and
means for wirelessly transmitting electrical energy generated by the power source; and
a tool assembly, wherein the tool assembly is remote from the housing, the tool assembly comprising:
a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein;
means for receiving the wirelessly transmitted electrical energy;
means for powering an element through the received wirelessly transmitted electrical energy; and
means for communicating information about a condition of the tool assembly to the control unit when the element has been powered by the received wirelessly transmitted electrical energy, wherein the means for communicating information comprises a microchip, and wherein the microchip comprises a dynamic memory device and a non-dynamic memory device.
4. The surgical instrument of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is configured to sense a condition of the tool assembly.
5. The surgical instrument of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a position sensor.
6. The surgical instrument of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a displacement sensor.
7. The surgical instrument of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a pressure/load sensor.
8. The surgical instrument of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a proximity sensor.
US14/559,188
2007-01-10
2014-12-03
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor
Active
2028-11-05
US10517682B2
( en )
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number
Priority Date
Filing Date
Title
US14/559,188
US10517682B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2014-12-03
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number
Priority Date
Filing Date
Title
US11/651,807
US8459520B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2007-01-10
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor
US13/118,259
US8684253B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2011-05-27
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between a control unit of a robotic system and remote sensor
US14/176,671
US10441369B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2014-02-10
Articulatable surgical instrument configured for detachable use with a robotic system
US14/559,188
US10517682B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2014-12-03
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number
Title
Priority Date
Filing Date
US14/176,671
Continuation
US10441369B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2014-02-10
Articulatable surgical instrument configured for detachable use with a robotic system
Publications (2)
Publication Number
Publication Date
US20150090761A1
US20150090761A1 ( en )
2015-04-02
US10517682B2
true
US10517682B2 ( en )
2019-12-31
Family
ID=46275961
Family Applications (30)
Application Number
Title
Priority Date
Filing Date
US13/118,259
Expired - Fee Related
US8684253B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2011-05-27
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between a control unit of a robotic system and remote sensor
US13/369,609
Active
US8479969B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2012-02-09
Drive interface for operably coupling a manipulatable surgical tool to a robot
US14/176,671
Active
2029-10-12
US10441369B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2014-02-10
Articulatable surgical instrument configured for detachable use with a robotic system
US14/303,049
Active
2029-12-21
US10433918B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2014-06-12
Surgical instrument system configured to evaluate the load applied to a firing member at the initiation of a firing stroke
US14/559,188
Active
2028-11-05
US10517682B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2014-12-03
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor
US14/559,172
Abandoned
US20150090760A1
( en )
2007-01-10
2014-12-03
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor
US14/559,251
Abandoned
US20150083781A1
( en )
2007-01-10
2014-12-03
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor
US14/559,224
Abandoned
US20150090762A1
( en )
2007-01-10
2014-12-03
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor
US14/847,864
Abandoned
US20150374378A1
( en )
2007-01-10
2015-09-08
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor
US14/848,572
Active
2028-08-01
US11000277B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2015-09-09
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor
US14/848,557
Abandoned
US20160000437A1
( en )
2007-01-10
2015-09-09
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor
US15/140,671
Abandoned
US20160235494A1
( en )
2007-01-10
2016-04-28
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between a control unit of a robotic system and remote sensor
US15/650,185
Active
2029-02-17
US11134943B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2017-07-14
Powered surgical instrument including a control unit and sensor
US15/652,677
Active
2028-10-20
US10952727B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2017-07-18
Surgical instrument for assessing the state of a staple cartridge
US15/652,916
Active
US10278780B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2017-07-18
Surgical instrument for use with robotic system
US15/653,073
Abandoned
US20170312042A1
( en )
2007-01-10
2017-07-18
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between a control unit of a robotic system and remote sensor
US15/652,621
Active
2028-08-02
US11166720B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2017-07-18
Surgical instrument including a control module for assessing an end effector
US15/652,978
Expired - Fee Related
US11064998B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2017-07-18
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between a control unit of a robotic system and remote sensor
US15/808,327
Active
2028-01-19
US10918386B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2017-11-09
Interlock and surgical instrument including same
US15/808,383
Active
2028-01-02
US10945729B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2017-11-09
Interlock and surgical instrument including same
US16/027,970
Active
US12004743B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2018-07-05
Staple cartridge comprising a sloped wall
US16/027,985
Active
US10751138B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2018-07-05
Surgical instrument for use with a robotic system
US16/234,761
Active
2033-01-23
US11937814B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2018-12-28
Surgical instrument for use with a robotic system
US16/234,782
Active
2028-12-04
US11918211B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2018-12-28
Surgical stapling instrument for use with a robotic system
US16/234,776
Active
2033-02-14
US11931032B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2018-12-28
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between a control unit of a robotic system and remote sensor
US16/234,750
Active
2028-12-20
US11844521B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2018-12-28
Surgical instrument for use with a robotic system
US16/367,831
Active
2028-06-07
US11666332B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2019-03-28
Surgical instrument comprising a control circuit configured to adjust the operation of a motor
US16/441,551
Active
2028-02-06
US11771426B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2019-06-14
Surgical instrument with wireless communication
US16/576,076
Active
2027-04-04
US11812961B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2019-09-19
Surgical instrument including a motor control system
US17/019,562
Active
US11849947B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2020-09-14
Surgical system including a control circuit and a passively-powered transponder
Family Applications Before (4)
Application Number
Title
Priority Date
Filing Date
US13/118,259
Expired - Fee Related
US8684253B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2011-05-27
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between a control unit of a robotic system and remote sensor
US13/369,609
Active
US8479969B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2012-02-09
Drive interface for operably coupling a manipulatable surgical tool to a robot
US14/176,671
Active
2029-10-12
US10441369B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2014-02-10
Articulatable surgical instrument configured for detachable use with a robotic system
US14/303,049
Active
2029-12-21
US10433918B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2014-06-12
Surgical instrument system configured to evaluate the load applied to a firing member at the initiation of a firing stroke
Family Applications After (25)
Application Number
Title
Priority Date
Filing Date
US14/559,172
Abandoned
US20150090760A1
( en )
2007-01-10
2014-12-03
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor
US14/559,251
Abandoned
US20150083781A1
( en )
2007-01-10
2014-12-03
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor
US14/559,224
Abandoned
US20150090762A1
( en )
2007-01-10
2014-12-03
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor
US14/847,864
Abandoned
US20150374378A1
( en )
2007-01-10
2015-09-08
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor
US14/848,572
Active
2028-08-01
US11000277B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2015-09-09
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor
US14/848,557
Abandoned
US20160000437A1
( en )
2007-01-10
2015-09-09
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor
US15/140,671
Abandoned
US20160235494A1
( en )
2007-01-10
2016-04-28
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between a control unit of a robotic system and remote sensor
US15/650,185
Active
2029-02-17
US11134943B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2017-07-14
Powered surgical instrument including a control unit and sensor
US15/652,677
Active
2028-10-20
US10952727B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2017-07-18
Surgical instrument for assessing the state of a staple cartridge
US15/652,916
Active
US10278780B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2017-07-18
Surgical instrument for use with robotic system
US15/653,073
Abandoned
US20170312042A1
( en )
2007-01-10
2017-07-18
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between a control unit of a robotic system and remote sensor
US15/652,621
Active
2028-08-02
US11166720B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2017-07-18
Surgical instrument including a control module for assessing an end effector
US15/652,978
Expired - Fee Related
US11064998B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2017-07-18
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between a control unit of a robotic system and remote sensor
US15/808,327
Active
2028-01-19
US10918386B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2017-11-09
Interlock and surgical instrument including same
US15/808,383
Active
2028-01-02
US10945729B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2017-11-09
Interlock and surgical instrument including same
US16/027,970
Active
US12004743B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2018-07-05
Staple cartridge comprising a sloped wall
US16/027,985
Active
US10751138B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2018-07-05
Surgical instrument for use with a robotic system
US16/234,761
Active
2033-01-23
US11937814B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2018-12-28
Surgical instrument for use with a robotic system
US16/234,782
Active
2028-12-04
US11918211B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2018-12-28
Surgical stapling instrument for use with a robotic system
US16/234,776
Active
2033-02-14
US11931032B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2018-12-28
Surgical instrument with wireless communication between a control unit of a robotic system and remote sensor
US16/234,750
Active
2028-12-20
US11844521B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2018-12-28
Surgical instrument for use with a robotic system
US16/367,831
Active
2028-06-07
US11666332B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2019-03-28
Surgical instrument comprising a control circuit configured to adjust the operation of a motor
US16/441,551
Active
2028-02-06
US11771426B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2019-06-14
Surgical instrument with wireless communication
US16/576,076
Active
2027-04-04
US11812961B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2019-09-19
Surgical instrument including a motor control system
US17/019,562
Active
US11849947B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2020-09-14
Surgical system including a control circuit and a passively-powered transponder
Country Status (6)
Country
Link
US
( 30 )
US8684253B2
( en )
EP
( 3 )
EP2713899B1
( en )
CN
( 1 )
CN103702624B
( en )
BR
( 1 )
BR112013030509B1
( en )
PL
( 1 )
PL2713899T3
( en )
WO
( 1 )
WO2012166476A1
( en )
Cited By (368)
* Cited by examiner, â Cited by third party
Publication number
Priority date
Publication date
Assignee
Title
US10667809B2
( en )
2016-12-21
2020-06-02
Ethicon Llc
Staple cartridge and staple cartridge channel comprising windows defined therein
US10675028B2
( en )
2006-01-31
2020-06-09
Ethicon Llc
Powered surgical instruments with firing system lockout arrangements
US10682142B2
( en )
2008-02-14
2020-06-16
Ethicon Llc
Surgical stapling apparatus including an articulation system
US10682134B2
( en )
2017-12-21
2020-06-16
Ethicon Llc
Continuous use self-propelled stapling instrument
US10682138B2
( en )
2016-12-21
2020-06-16
Ethicon Llc
Bilaterally asymmetric staple forming pocket pairs
US10687813B2
( en )
2017-12-15
2020-06-23
Ethicon Llc
Adapters with firing stroke sensing arrangements for use in connection with electromechanical surgical instruments
US10687810B2
( en )
2016-12-21
2020-06-23
Ethicon Llc
Stepped staple cartridge with tissue retention and gap setting features
US10687806B2
( en )
2015-03-06
2020-06-23
Ethicon Llc
Adaptive tissue compression techniques to adjust closure rates for multiple tissue types
US10687817B2
( en )
2004-07-28
2020-06-23
Ethicon Llc
Stapling device comprising a firing member lockout
US10695062B2
( en )
2010-10-01
2020-06-30
Ethicon Llc
Surgical instrument including a retractable firing member
US10695058B2
( en )
2014-12-18
2020-06-30
Ethicon Llc
Surgical instrument systems comprising an articulatable end effector and means for adjusting the firing stroke of a firing member
US10702266B2
( en )
2013-04-16
2020-07-07
Ethicon Llc
Surgical instrument system
US10709468B2
( en )
2006-01-31
2020-07-14
Ethicon Llc
Motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument
USD890784S1
( en )
2017-06-20
2020-07-21
Ethicon Llc
Display panel with changeable graphical user interface
US10729509B2
( en )
2017-12-19
2020-08-04
Ethicon Llc
Surgical instrument comprising closure and firing locking mechanism
US10736630B2
( en )
2014-10-13
2020-08-11
Ethicon Llc
Staple cartridge
US10743874B2
( en )
2017-12-15
2020-08-18
Ethicon Llc
Sealed adapters for use with electromechanical surgical instruments
US10743870B2
( en )
2008-02-14
2020-08-18
Ethicon Llc
Surgical stapling apparatus with interlockable firing system
US10743877B2
( en )
2010-09-30
2020-08-18
Ethicon Llc
Surgical stapler with floating anvil
US10743873B2
( en )
2014-12-18
2020-08-18
Ethicon Llc
Drive arrangements for articulatable surgical instruments
US10743875B2
( en )
2017-12-15
2020-08-18
Ethicon Llc
Surgical end effectors with jaw stiffener arrangements configured to permit monitoring of firing member
US10743872B2
( en )
2017-09-29
2020-08-18
Ethicon Llc
System and methods for controlling a display of a surgical instrument
US10743851B2
( en )
2008-02-14
2020-08-18
Ethicon Llc
Interchangeable tools for surgical instruments
USD894389S1
( en )
2016-06-24
2020-08-25
Ethicon Llc
Surgical fastener
US10758232B2
( en )
2017-06-28
2020-09-01
Ethicon Llc
Surgical instrument with positive jaw opening features
US10758230B2
( en )
2016-12-21
2020-09-01
Ethicon Llc
Surgical instrument with primary and safety processors
US10765427B2
( en )
2017-06-28
2020-09-08
Ethicon Llc
Method for articulating a surgical instrument
USD896379S1
( en )
2016-06-24
2020-09-15
Ethicon Llc
Surgical fastener cartridge
US10772625B2
( en )
2015-03-06
2020-09-15
Ethicon Llc
Signal and power communication system positioned on a rotatable shaft
USD896380S1
( en )
2016-06-24
2020-09-15
Ethicon Llc
Surgical fastener cartridge
US10780539B2
( en )
2011-05-27
2020-09-22
Ethicon Llc
Stapling instrument for use with a robotic system
US10779825B2
( en )
2017-12-15
2020-09-22
Ethicon Llc
Adapters with end effector position sensing and control arrangements for use in connection with electromechanical surgical instruments
US10779820B2
( en )
2017-06-20
2020-09-22
Ethicon Llc
Systems and methods for controlling motor speed according to user input for a surgical instrument
US10779903B2
( en )
2017-10-31
2020-09-22
Ethicon Llc
Positive shaft rotation lock activated by jaw closure
US10806448B2
( en )
2014-12-18
2020-10-20
Ethicon Llc
Surgical instrument assembly comprising a flexible articulation system
US10806449B2
( en )
2005-11-09
2020-10-20
Ethicon Llc
End effectors for surgical staplers
US10806450B2
( en )
2008-02-14
2020-10-20
Ethicon Llc
Surgical cutting and fastening instrument having a control system
US10813641B2
( en )
2011-05-27
2020-10-27
Ethicon Llc
Robotically-driven surgical instrument
US10828033B2
( en )
2017-12-15
2020-11-10
Ethicon Llc
Handheld electromechanical surgical instruments with improved motor control arrangements for positioning components of an adapter coupled thereto
US10835330B2
( en )
2017-12-19
2020-11-17
Ethicon Llc
Method for determining the position of a rotatable jaw of a surgical instrument attachment assembly
US10835250B2
( en )
2008-02-15
2020-11-17
Ethicon Llc
End effector coupling arrangements for a surgical cutting and stapling instrument
US10835251B2
( en )
2010-09-30
2020-11-17
Ethicon Llc
Surgical instrument assembly including an end effector configurable in different positions
US10842490B2
( en )
2017-10-31
2020-11-24
Ethicon Llc
Cartridge body design with force reduction based on firing completion
US10856869B2
( en )
2017-06-27
2020-12-08
Ethicon Llc
Surgical anvil arrangements
US10863981B2
( en )
2014-03-26
2020-12-15
Ethicon Llc
Interface systems for use with surgical instruments
US10863986B2
( en )
2015-09-23
2020-12-15
Ethicon Llc
Surgical stapler having downstream current-based motor control
US10869665B2
( en )
2013-08-23
2020-12-22
Ethicon Llc
Surgical instrument system including a control system
US10874396B2
( en )
2008-02-14
2020-12-29
Ethicon Llc
Stapling instrument for use with a surgical robot
US10881401B2
( en )
2016-12-21
2021-01-05
Ethicon Llc
Staple firing member comprising a missing cartridge and/or spent cartridge lockout
USD907647S1
( en )
2017-09-29
2021-01-12
Ethicon Llc
Display screen or portion thereof with animated graphical user interface
US10888321B2
( en )
2017-06-20
2021-01-12
Ethicon Llc
Systems and methods for controlling velocity of a displacement member of a surgical stapling and cutting instrument
USD907648S1
( en )
2017-09-29
2021-01-12
Ethicon Llc
Display screen or portion thereof with animated graphical user interface
US10893867B2
( en )
2013-03-14
2021-01-19
Ethicon Llc
Drive train control arrangements for modular surgical instruments
US10893853B2
( en )
2006-01-31
2021-01-19
Ethicon Llc
Stapling assembly including motor drive systems
US10898191B2
( en )
2010-09-29
2021-01-26
Ethicon Llc
Fastener cartridge
US10905423B2
( en )
2014-09-05
2021-02-02
Ethicon Llc
Smart cartridge wake up operation and data retention
US10905418B2
( en )
2014-10-16
2021-02-02
Ethicon Llc
Staple cartridge comprising a tissue thickness compensator
US10905422B2
( en )
2016-12-21
2021-02-02
Ethicon Llc
Surgical instrument for use with a robotic surgical system
US10918386B2
( en )
2007-01-10
2021-02-16
Ethicon Llc
Interlock and surgical instrument including same
US10932779B2
( en )
2015-09-30
2021-03-02
Ethicon Llc
Compressible adjunct with crossing spacer fibers
US10932778B2
( en )
2008-10-10
2021-03-02
Ethicon Llc
Powered surgical cutting and stapling apparatus with manually retractable firing system
US10945731B2
( en )
2010-09-30
2021-03-16
Ethicon Llc
Tissue thickness compensator comprising controlled release and expansion
US10945728B2
( en )
2014-12-18
2021-03-16
Ethicon Llc
Locking arrangements for detachable shaft assemblies with articulatable surgical end effectors
US10959725B2
( en )
2012-06-15
2021-03-30
Ethicon Llc
Articulatable surgical instrument comprising a firing drive
US10966627B2
( en )
2015-03-06
2021-04-06
Ethicon Llc
Time dependent evaluation of sensor data to determine stability, creep, and viscoelastic elements of measures
US10966718B2
( en )
2017-12-15
2021-04-06
Ethicon Llc
Dynamic clamping assemblies with improved wear characteristics for use in connection with electromechanical surgical instruments
US10966724B2
( en )
2015-08-26
2021-04-06
Ethicon Llc
Surgical staples comprising a guide
US10980534B2
( en )
2011-05-27
2021-04-20
Ethicon Llc
Robotically-controlled motorized surgical instrument with an end effector
US10980537B2
( en )
2017-06-20
2021-04-20