Circuitry and sensors for powered medical device

• US 10,111,679 B2
• Filed: 09/05/2014
• Issued: 10/30/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 09/05/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon, LLC (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Baber, Daniel L., Swayze, Jeffrey S., Beckman, Andrew T., Miller, Christopher C., Scheib, Charles J., Float, Jamison J., O'Kelly, Matthew E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Jackson, Stephen W
• Application Number:
  US14/479,103
• Publication Number:
  US 20160066912A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,516 Days
• Field of Search: 361 931
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/00 Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets A61B18/00 takes precedence; contraceptive devices, pessaries, or applicators therefor A61F6/00; eye surgery A61F9/007; ear surgery A61F11/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/0644 penetrating the tissue, deformable to closed position
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/068 Surgical staplers , e.g. containing multiple staples or clampsstaplers containing only one staple A61B17/10; magazines or containers for staples A61B17/105; for performing anastomosis A61B17/115; staplers in general B25C5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/072 for applying a row of staples in a single action , e.g. the staples being applied simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/07207 the staples being applied sequentially
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/07292 Reinforcements for staple line, e.g. pledgets
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/105 Wound clamp magazines for packaging sharps A61B50/3001
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/1155 Circular staplers comprising a plurality of staples
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/32 Surgical cutting instruments A61B18/042 takes precedence; suture cutters A61B17/0467; instruments for ligaturing or cutting A61B17/128; instruments for rupturing the amniotic membrane A61B17/4208; specially adapted knives for eye surgery A61F9/0133
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00017 Electrical control of surgical instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00022 Sensing or detecting at the treatment site
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00026 Conductivity or impedance, e.g. of tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00039 Electric or electromagnetic phenomena other than conductivity, e.g. capacity, inductivity, Hall effect
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00061 spectrum
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00066 intensity
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00075 Motion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00106 ultrasonic
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00115 with audible or visual output
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00119 alarm; indicating an abnormal situation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00123 and automatic shutdown
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00199 : with a console, e.g. a control panel with a display
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00393 : with means for switching between functions
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00398 : using powered actuators, e.g. stepper motors, solenoids
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0046 : with a releasable handle; with handle and operating part separable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00477 : Coupling A61B2017/0046 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00725 : Calibration or performance testing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00734 : battery operated
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00876 : magnetic
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07214 : Stapler heads
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07257 : characterised by its anvil
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07271 : characterised by its cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07285 : characterised by its cutter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2927 : the angular position of the head being adjustable with respect to the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00648 : using more than one sensed parameter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/037 : with a frangible part, e.g. by reduced diameter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/061 : for measuring dimensions, e.g. length
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/064 : for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/065 : for measuring contact or contact pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0803 : Counting the number of times an instrument is used
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0806 : Instrument detectors with a removable part, e.g. working tip
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0807 : Indication means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0808 : for indicating correct assembly of components, e.g. of the surgical apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/081 : for contamination or dirt
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0811 : for the position of a particular part of an instrument with respect to the rest of the instrument, e.g. position of the anvil of a stapling instrument
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0814 : Preventing re-use
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0818 : Redundant systems, e.g. using two independent measuring systems and comparing the signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/304 : using chemi-luminescent materials
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/309 : using white LEDs
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/702 : Devices for testing the cleaning process, e.g. test soils
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2505/05 : Surgical care
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0223 : Magnetic field sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0247 : Pressure sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0257 : Proximity sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0261 : Strain gauges
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/029 : Humidity sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/043 : in a linear array
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/06 : Arrangements of multiple sensors of different types
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/223 : Optical cables therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/067 : using accelerometers or gyroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1076 : for measuring dimensions inside body cavities, e.g. using catheters A61B3/1005 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6847 : mounted on an invasive device
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6885 : Monitoring or controlling sensor contact pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/12 : in body cavities or body tracts, e.g. by using catheters catheters per se A61M25/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4483 : characterised by features of the ultrasound transducer
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/06 : Measuring instruments not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/70 : Cleaning devices specially adapted for surgical instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/90 : Identification means for patients or instruments, e.g. tags
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/92 : coded with colour
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/94 : coded with symbols, e.g. text
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/96 : using barcodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/98 : using electromagnetic means, e.g. transponders
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 33/072 : Constructional adaptation of the sensor to specific applications
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/266 : Arrangements to supply power to external peripherals either directly from the computer or under computer control, e.g. supply of power through the communication port, computer controlled power-strips
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/28 : Supervision thereof, e.g. detecting power-supply failure by out of limits supervision
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/30 : Means for acting in the event of power-supply failure or interruption, e.g. power-supply fluctuations for resetting only G06F1/24
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/305 : in the event of power-supply fluctuations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3215 : Monitoring of peripheral devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3287 : by switching off individual functional units in the computer system
• CPC Class Codes: H02H 1/06 : Arrangements for supplying operative power power supply arrangements in general G05F, H02M
• CPC Class Codes: H02H 11/002 : in case of inverted polarity or connection; with switching for obtaining correct connection
• CPC Class Codes: H02H 3/02 : Details
• CPC Class Codes: H02H 3/04 : with warning or supervision in addition to disconnection, e.g. for indicating that protective apparatus has functioned watching of pilot wires H02H1/0084; protection of protective arrangements H02H7/008; indication of the state of electronic switches H03K17/18
• CPC Class Codes: H02H 3/06 : with automatic reconnection
• CPC Class Codes: H02H 3/087 : for dc applications
• CPC Class Codes: H02H 3/18 : responsive to reversal of direct current
• CPC Class Codes: H02H 3/202 : for dc systems
• CPC Class Codes: H02H 3/207 : also responsive to under-voltage window comparators for indication G01R19/165
• CPC Class Codes: H02H 3/243 : for DC systems
• CPC Class Codes: H02H 7/20 : for electronic equipment for converters H02H7/10; for electric measuring instruments G01R1/36; for dc voltage or current semiconductor regulators G05F1/569; for amplifiers H03F1/52; for electronic switching circuits H03K17/08
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 1/001 : Hot plugging or unplugging of load or power modules to or from power distribution networks
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 1/10 : Parallel operation of dc sources
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/23 : The load being a medical device, a medical implant, or a life supporting device
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0068 : Battery or charger load switching, e.g. concurrent charging and load supply H02J7/0013 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 10/00 : Energy efficient computing, e.g. low power processors, power management or thermal management

Abstract

An electronic system for a surgical instrument is disclosed. The electronic system comprises a main power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a primary circuit, a supplementary power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a secondary circuit, and a sleep mode monitor coupled between the main power supply circuit and the supplementary power supply circuit. The sleep mode monitor is configured to indicate one or more sleep mode conditions. The electronic system further comprises a device state monitor coupled to the primary circuit, the device state monitor configured to sense a state of various electrical and mechanical subsystems of the surgical instrument.

Claims

1. An electronic system for a surgical instrument, the electronic system comprising:

a main power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a primary circuit;

a supplementary power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a secondary circuit; and

a short circuit protection circuit coupled between the main power supply circuit and the supplementary power supply circuit;

wherein the short circuit protection circuit is configured to lockout the firing of the surgical instrument after a short circuit event;

wherein the supplementary power supply circuit is configured to isolate itself from the main power supply circuit after the supplementary power supply circuit detects a short circuit condition at the secondary circuit; and

wherein the supplementary power supply circuit is configured to rejoin the main power supply circuit and supply power to the secondary circuit, after the short circuit condition ends.

2. The electronic system of claim 1, wherein the short circuit protection circuit is configured to monitor one or more short circuit conditions.

3. The electronic system of claim 1, comprising a plurality of supplementary protection circuits networked together to isolate, detect, or protect other circuit functions.

4. An electronic system for a surgical instrument, the electronic system, comprising:

a main power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a primary circuit;

a supplementary power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a secondary circuit; and

a sample rate monitor coupled between the main power supply circuit and the supplementary power supply circuit, wherein the sample rate monitor is configured to limit sample rates and/or duty cycle of the secondary circuit after the surgical instrument is in a non-sensing state.

5. The electronic system of claim 4, further comprising a device state monitor coupled to the primary circuit, the device state monitor configured to sense a state of various electrical and mechanical subsystems of the surgical instrument.

6. The electronic system of claim 5, wherein the sample rate monitor operates in conjunction with the device state monitor.

7. The electronic system of claim 6, wherein the device state monitor is configured to sense a state of an end effector of the surgical instrument in an unclamped (State 1), a clamping (State 2), or a clamped (State 3) state of operation and wherein the sample rate monitor is configured to set the sample rate and/or duty cycle for the secondary circuit based on the state of the end effector determined by the device state monitor.

8. The electronic system of claim 7, wherein the sample rate monitor is configured to set the duty cycle to about 10% after the end effector is in State 1, to about 50% after the end effector is in State 2, or about 20% after the end effector is in State 3.

9. An electronic system for a surgical instrument, the electronic system, comprising:

a main power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a primary circuit;

a supplementary power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a secondary circuit; and

an over current/voltage protection circuit coupled between the main power supply circuit and the supplementary power supply circuit, wherein the over current/voltage protection circuit is configured to isolate current from the main power supply circuit after the secondary circuit experiences higher levels of current or voltage than expected;

wherein after the over current or the over voltage condition ends, the supplementary power supply circuit rejoins the main power supply circuit and is configured to supply power to the secondary circuit.

10. The electronic system of claim 9, wherein the over current/voltage protection circuit is configured to lockout the firing of the surgical instrument after an over current/voltage condition.

11. The electronic system of claim 9, wherein the over current/voltage protection circuit is configured to indicate an over current/voltage condition to an end user of the surgical instrument, after an over current/voltage condition.

12. The electronic system of claim 9, wherein the over current/voltage protection circuit is configured to lock-out the surgical instrument from being fired or lock-out other operations of the surgical instrument, after an over current/voltage condition.

13. An electronic system for a surgical instrument, the electronic system, comprising:

a main power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a primary circuit;

a supplementary power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a secondary circuit; and

a reverse polarity protection circuit coupled between the main power supply circuit and the supplementary power supply circuit, wherein the reverse polarity protection circuit is configured to isolate the secondary circuit from each of the main power supply circuit and the supplementary power supply circuit, after a reverse polarity voltage is applied to the secondary circuit;

wherein the reverse polarity protection circuit is configured to rejoin the supplementary power supply circuit to supply power to the secondary circuit after the reverse polarity voltage condition ends.

14. The electronic system of claim 13, wherein the reverse polarity protection circuit comprises a relay switch comprising an input coil and output contacts coupled to the secondary circuit, wherein the input coil is in series with a diode configured to block current flow through the input coil of the relay switch after a voltage of a first polarity is applied to the secondary circuit through the output contacts.

15. The electronic system of claim 14, wherein the diode is configured to enable current flow through the diode and the input coil after a voltage of a second polarity is applied to the secondary circuit, wherein the current through the input coil energizes the relay switch to disconnect the voltage of the second polarity from the secondary circuit.

16. An electronic system for a surgical instrument, the electronic system, comprising:

a main power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a primary circuit;

a supplementary power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a secondary circuit;

a sleep mode monitor coupled between the main power supply circuit and the supplementary power supply circuit, wherein the sleep mode monitor is configured to indicate one or more sleep mode conditions; and

a device state monitor coupled to the primary circuit, the device state monitor configured to sense a state of various electrical and mechanical subsystems of the surgical instrument.

17. The electronic system of claim 16, wherein the sleep mode monitor operates in conjunction with the device state monitor.

18. The electronic system of claim 17, wherein the device state monitor is configured to sense a state of an end effector of the surgical instrument in an unclamped (State 1), a clamping (State 2), or a clamped (State 3) state of operation and wherein the sleep mode monitor is configured to place the secondary circuit in sleep mode after the surgical instrument is in the unclamped (State 1) and to place the secondary circuit in awake mode after the surgical instrument is in either the clamping (State 2) or the clamped (State 3).

19. An electronic system for a surgical instrument, the electronic system, comprising:

a main power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a primary circuit;

a supplementary power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a secondary circuit; and

an over current/voltage protection circuit coupled between the main power supply circuit and the supplementary power supply circuit, wherein the over current/voltage protection circuit is configured to isolate current from the main power supply circuit after the secondary circuit experiences higher levels of current or voltage than expected;

wherein the over current/voltage protection circuit is configured to lockout the firing of the surgical instrument after an current/voltage condition.

20. An electronic system for a surgical instrument, the electronic system, comprising:

a main power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a primary circuit;

a supplementary power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a secondary circuit; and

an over current/voltage protection circuit coupled between the main power supply circuit and the supplementary power supply circuit, wherein the over current/voltage protection circuit is configured to isolate current from the main power supply circuit after the secondary circuit experiences higher levels of current or voltage than expected;

wherein the over current/voltage protection circuit is configured to indicate an over current/voltage condition to an end user of the surgical instrument, after an over current/voltage condition.

21. An electronic system for a surgical instrument, the electronic system, comprising:

a main power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a primary circuit;

a supplementary power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a secondary circuit; and

an over current/voltage protection circuit coupled between the main power supply circuit and the supplementary power supply circuit, wherein the over current/voltage protection circuit is configured to isolate current from the main power supply circuit after the secondary circuit experiences higher levels of current or voltage than expected;

wherein the over current/voltage protection circuit is configured to lock-out the surgical instrument from being fired or lock-out other operations of the surgical instrument, after an over current/voltage condition.

22. An electronic system for a surgical instrument, the electronic system, comprising:

a main power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a primary circuit;

a supplementary power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a secondary circuit; and

a reverse polarity protection circuit coupled between the main power supply circuit and the supplementary power supply circuit, wherein the reverse polarity protection circuit is configured to isolate the secondary circuit from each of the main power supply circuit and the supplementary power supply circuit, after a reverse polarity voltage is applied to the secondary circuit;

wherein the reverse polarity protection circuit comprises a relay switch comprising an input coil and output contacts coupled to the secondary circuit, wherein the input coil is in series with a diode configured to block current flow through the input coil of the relay switch after a voltage of a first polarity is applied to the secondary circuit through the output contacts.

23. The electronic system of claim 22, wherein the diode is configured to enable current flow through the diode and the input coil after a voltage of a second polarity is applied to the secondary circuit, wherein the current through the input coil energizes the relay switch to disconnect the voltage of the second polarity from the secondary circuit.