Surgical apparatus configured to track an end-of-life parameter

• US 10,159,483 B2
• Filed: 02/27/2015
• Issued: 12/25/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 02/27/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon, LLC (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Beckman, Andrew T., Nalagatla, Anil K., Koch, Jr., Robert L., Hibner, John A., Shelton, IV, Frederick E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Smith, Scott A.
• Application Number:
  US14/633,562
• Publication Number:
  US 20160249917A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,397 Days
• Field of Search: 227 19, 2271751, 2271761, 2271752, 2271781, 2271801, 606139, 606153, 606219, 606 52, 606205, 606169
• 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 17/105 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 17/1628 Motors; Power supplies
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/2909 Handles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00017 Electrical control of surgical instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0003 of parts of the instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00084 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00115 with audible or visual output with imaging means A61B90/37, A61B34/20
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00199 with a console, e.g. a control panel with a display
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00221 with wireless transmission of data, e.g. by infrared radiation or radiowaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00398 using powered actuators, e.g. stepper motors, solenoids
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00402 Piezo electric actuators
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0046 with a releasable handle; with handle and operating part separable for prosthetic joint-implanting tools A61F2/4603
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00464 for use with different instruments with hole for different instruments A61B2017/22072
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00469 for insertion of instruments, e.g. guide wire, optical fibre
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00473 Distal part, e.g. tip or head A61B2017/00464 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00477 Coupling A61B2017/0046 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00716 : simulating physical properties
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00725 : Calibration or performance testing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00734 : battery operated
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07214 : Stapler heads
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07271 : characterised by its cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/07285 : characterised by its cutter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2925 : Pistol grips
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1226 : powered by a battery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0803 : Counting the number of times an instrument is used
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0809 : Indication of cracks or breakages
• 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 2090/0812 : indicating loosening or shifting of parts of an instrument, signaling maladjustment of parts
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0813 : Accessories designed for easy sterilising, i.e. re-usable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0814 : Preventing re-use
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0214 : of power generation or supply
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 50/33 : Trays
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/70 : Cleaning devices specially adapted for surgical instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/98 : using electromagnetic means, e.g. transponders
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/26 : Accessories or devices or components used for biocidal treatment
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/28 : Devices for testing the effectiveness or completeness of sterilisation, e.g. indicators which change colour apparatus involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M1/34; methods involving enzymes or microorganisms C12Q1/00
• CPC Class Codes: B25F 3/00 : Associations of tools for different working operations with one portable power-drive means; Adapters therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B25F 5/006 : Vibration damping means
• CPC Class Codes: B25H 3/006 : Storage means specially adapted for one specific hand apparatus, e.g. an electric drill
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/20 : for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities, e.g. managing hospital staff or surgery rooms
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/40 : for the management of medical equipment or devices, e.g. scheduling maintenance or upgrades
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/0445 : Multimode batteries, e.g. containing auxiliary cells or electrodes switchable in parallel or series connections
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/4257 : Smart batteries, e.g. electronic circuits inside the housing of the cells or batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/46 : Accumulators structurally combined with charging apparatus circuits for charging H02J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/613 : Cooling or keeping cold
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/6235 : Power tools
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/658 : by thermal insulation or shielding
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2220/30 : Batteries in portable systems, e.g. mobile phone, laptop
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/213 : adapted for cells having curved cross-section, e.g. round or elliptic H01M50/209, H01M50/216 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/24 : adapted for protecting batteries from their environment, e.g. from corrosion thermal insulation H01M10/658
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/242 : adapted for protecting batteries against vibrations, collision impact or swelling
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/247 : specially adapted for portable devices, e.g. mobile phones, computers, hand tools or pacemakers
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/262 : with fastening means, e.g. locks
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/267 : having means for adapting to batteries or cells of different types or different sizes
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2207/40 : adapted for charging from various sources, e.g. AC, DC or multivoltage
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/23 : The load being a medical device, a medical implant, or a life supporting device
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00 : Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00036 : Charger exchanging data with battery
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00047 : with provisions for charging different types of batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0013 : acting upon several batteries simultaneously or sequentially H02J7/1423 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0014 : Circuits for equalisation of charge between batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0042 : characterised by the mechanical construction
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0045 : concerning the insertion or the connection of the batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0048 : Detection of remaining charge capacity or state of charge [SOC]
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/005 : Detection of state of health [SOH]
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/342 : The other DC source being a battery actively interacting with the first one, i.e. battery to battery charging with circuits for polarity protection H02J7/0034
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 : Energy storage using batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 70/50 : Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product

Abstract

A surgical apparatus is disclosed which comprises a handle module and a detachable shaft module for collectively performing a surgical procedure. The handle module comprises a rotary drive system for driving the detachable shaft module, an electric motor coupled to the rotary drive system for powering the rotary drive system, one or more sensors, and a handle module processor circuit in communication with the one or more sensors and the electric motor. The handle module processor circuit is programmed to control the electric motor. The handle module processor circuit is also programmed to track and/or count an end-of-life parameter for the handle module based on input from the one or more sensors.

Claims

1. A surgical apparatus, comprising:

a handle module comprising an attachment portion, wherein a detachable shaft module is attachable to the attachment portion for collectively performing a surgical procedure, and wherein the handle module comprises;

a rotary drive system for driving the detachable shaft module;

an electric motor coupled to the rotary drive system for powering the rotary drive system;

one or more sensors configured to detect an end-of-life parameter associated with the handle module; and

a handle module processor circuit in communication with the one or more sensors and the electric motor, wherein the handle module processor circuit is programmed to;

control the electric motor;

track the end-of-life parameter based on input from the one or more sensors; and

maintain a count of the end-of-life parameter.

2. The surgical apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means, in communication with the handle module processor circuit, for taking an end-of-life action when the handle module processor circuit determines that the count for the end-of-life parameter reaches a threshold value.

3. The surgical apparatus of claim 2, wherein the means for taking the end-of-life action comprises a display that displays to a user of the surgical apparatus information indicative of the end-of-life parameter reaching the threshold valve.

4. The surgical apparatus of claim 3, wherein the display displays the count.

5. The surgical apparatus of claim 3, wherein the display displays an indicator that indicates a remaining number of uses for the handle module before the threshold value is reached.

6. The surgical apparatus of claim 2, wherein the means for taking the end-of-life action comprises means for disabling the handle module for a subsequent surgical procedure.

7. The surgical apparatus of claim 6, wherein the means for disabling the handle module comprises means for disabling operation of the electric motor.

8. The surgical apparatus of claim 6, wherein the means for disabling the handle module comprise means for preventing installation of a charged battery pack in the handle module.

9. The surgical apparatus of claim 2, wherein the end-of-life parameter is selected from the group consisting of:

a number of firings initiated by the handle module;

a number of surgical procedures involving the handle module;

a number of attachments of a detachable shaft module to the handle module;

a number of sterilizations of the handle module; and

a number of attachments of removable battery packs to the handle module, wherein the removable battery packs are for supplying electric power to the handle module during a surgical procedure.

10. The surgical apparatus of claim 9, wherein the end-of-life parameter is computed according to a function whose inputs include the number of firings initiated by the handle module and the number of surgical procedures involving the handle module.

11. The surgical apparatus of claim 10, wherein the function computes the end-of-life parameter by using different weighting coefficients for different detachable shaft modules.

12. The surgical apparatus of claim 2, wherein the detachable shaft module comprises an end effector with a firing member that, when fired, traverses a stroke length, and wherein the end-of-life parameter comprises a usage parameter for the handle module indicative of differences between the force that is expected to be exerted by the handle module and the force actually exerted by the handle module over the stroke length of the firing member.

13. The surgical apparatus of claim 2, wherein the end-of-life parameter comprises a number of times the handle module has been sterilized.

14. The surgical apparatus of claim 13, wherein the handle module includes a sterilization sensor that is in communication with the handle module processor circuit that is actuated when a protective sterilization cover is attached to the handle module.

15. The surgical apparatus of claim 14, wherein the sterilization sensor comprises a switch that is actuated when the protective sterilization cover is attached to the handle module.

16. The surgical apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:

an inspection station, wherein the handle module is connectable to the inspection station for inspection of the handle module following the surgical procedure, wherein the inspection station comprises;

an inspection station processor circuit that communicates with the handle module processor circuit via a data connection when the handle module is connected to the inspection station; and

an inspection station display in communication with the inspection station processor circuit, wherein the inspection station display displays information about the handle module when the handle module is connected to the inspection station.

17. A surgical apparatus, comprising:

a handle module that is attachable to a detachable shaft module for collectively performing a surgical procedure, wherein the handle module comprises;

a rotary drive system which is activatable to drive the detachable shaft module;

an electric motor coupled to the rotary drive system for powering the rotary drive system; and

means for tracking a count of an end-of-life parameter for the handle module based on a number of times in which the rotary drive system is activated, wherein the means comprises a processor circuit programmed to track the number of times in which the rotary drive system is activated.

18. The surgical apparatus of claim 17, wherein the means for tracking the count of the end-of-life parameter further comprises a memory, wherein the memory stores program code that is executed by the processor circuit to track the count of the end-of-life parameter for the handle module.

19. The surgical apparatus of claim 17, wherein the handle module is powered by a removable battery pack, and wherein the means for tracking the count of the end-of-life parameter for the handle module is further based on a number of times a removable battery pack is connected to the handle module.

20. The surgical apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a sterilization tray for holding the handle module during a sterilization procedure, wherein the means for tracking the count of the end-of-life parameter for the handle module comprises a counter on the sterilization tray that increments the count when the handle module is placed in the sterilization tray.