CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT CONTROL PROCESSING FROM HANDLE

• US 20160256155A1
• Filed: 03/06/2015
• Published: 09/08/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 03/06/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery LLC (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Shelton, Frederick E. IV, Harris, Jason L., Beckman, Andrew T.
• Granted Patent: US 10,045,776 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 17/295 combined with cutting implements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00022 Sensing or detecting at the treatment site
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00075 Motion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00115 with audible or visual output
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00199 with a console, e.g. a control panel with a display
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00398 using powered actuators, e.g. stepper motors, solenoids
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00464 for use with different instruments
• 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 2017/00526 Methods of manufacturing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00734 battery operated
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/061 for measuring dimensions, e.g. length
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0803 Counting the number of times an instrument is used
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0804 Counting number of instruments used; Instrument detectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0214 of power generation or supply
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/90 Identification means for patients or instruments, e.g. tags
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/0421 Multiprocessor system
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/2231 Master slave

Abstract

A modular surgical instrument and method for using the same. The method can comprise attaching a surgical instrument attachment to a surgical instrument handle to form a surgical instrument, and powering a master processor in the surgical instrument attachment. The method can also comprise identifying a slave processor in the surgical instrument handle, wherein the slave processor is configured to control a motor in the surgical instrument handle, and affecting operation of the motor based on at least one command from the master processor.

Claims

1. A method, comprising:

obtaining a surgical instrument attachment, wherein the surgical instrument attachment comprises a master processor;

obtaining a surgical instrument handle, wherein the surgical instrument handle comprises a slave processor;

attaching the surgical instrument attachment to the surgical instrument handle;

powering the master processor;

initiating a surgical function based on a command selected and issued by the master processor in the surgical instrument handle to the slave processor in the surgical instrument handle.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the surgical instrument handle further comprises a motor, and wherein the slave processor is configured to control the motor.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein powering the master processor comprises coupling a power source in the surgical instrument handle to the master processor.

4. The method of claim 1, furthering comprising requesting information from the slave processor.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting the command based on the information provided by the slave processor.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the master processor comprises a plurality of control modules.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the control modules comprise software and firmware.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the slave processor is configured to control a display.

9. A modular surgical system, comprising:

a handle comprising a slaved control system;

an attachment assembly comprising a master control system, wherein the master control system is in communication with the slaved control system, and wherein the master control system is configured to issue commands to the slaved control system.

10. The modular surgical system of claim 9, wherein the master control system comprises a plurality of control modules.

11. The modular surgical system of claim 9, wherein the handle further comprises a battery, and wherein the battery is configured to automatically power the master control system when the attachment assembly is coupled to the handle.

12. The modular surgical system of claim 9, wherein the attachment assembly further comprises a motor, and wherein the slaved control system is configured to control the motor.

13. A method, comprising:

attaching a surgical instrument attachment to a surgical instrument handle to form a surgical instrument;

powering a master processor in the surgical instrument attachment;

identifying a slave processor in the surgical instrument handle, wherein the slave processor is configured to control a motor in the surgical instrument handle;

affecting operation of the motor based on at least one command from the master processor.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein powering the master processor comprises coupling a battery in the surgical instrument handle to the master processor.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the master processor requesting information from a control system.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the control system transmitting the requested information to the master processor.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the requested information comprises at least one detected condition in the surgical instrument.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising the master processor selecting the at least one command based on the requested information.

19. The method of claim 13, further comprising implementing a surgical function based on the at least one command from the master processor.

20. The method of claim 13, further comprising identifying a second slave processor in the surgical instrument handle and issuing at least one command to the second slave processor.