SURGICAL INSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION

• US 20160249919A1
• Filed: 02/27/2015
• Published: 09/01/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 02/27/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery LLC (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Savage, Jeffrey L., Uth, Joshua R., Beckman, Andrew T., Baxter, Chester O. III
• Granted Patent: US 10,045,779 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 17/07207 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

An apparatus is disclosed which comprises, one, a handle module that is attachable to a detachable shaft module for collectively performing a surgical procedure and, two, an inspection station for connection to the handle module when the handle module is not being used in 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, and a handle module processor circuit in communication with the motor. 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. The inspection station further comprises a display in communication with the inspection station processor circuit for displaying information about handle module.

Claims

1. An 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 for driving the detachable shaft module;

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

a handle module processor circuit in communication with the electric motor; and

an inspection station for connection to the handle module when the handle module is not being used in a 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 handle module connected to the inspection station.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inspection station comprises an electric power source for supplying electric power to the handle module when the handle module is connected to the inspection station.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inspection station is configured to perform one or more tests on the handle module to determine the suitability of the handle module for use in a subsequent surgical procedure.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the one or more tests comprises a seal integrity test of the handle module.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the one or more tests comprises a gear backlash test for the rotary drive system of the handle module.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inspection station is configured to perform a conditioning action to condition the handle module for use in a subsequent surgical procedure.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the conditioning action comprises drying components of the handle module.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the inspection station comprises one or more fans for blowing air on the components of the handle module.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the inspection station comprises a vacuum port for drying the components of the handle module with vacuum pressure air flow.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inspection station further comprises a load simulation adapter connectable to the rotary drive system of the handle module.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the load simulation adapter comprises a motor for supplying a simulated load to the rotary drive system of the handle module.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inspection station is further connected to the detachable shaft module.

13. A surgical process, comprising:

performing, by a clinician, a surgical procedure on a patient with a surgical instrument that comprises a handle module connected to a detachable shaft module, wherein the handle module includes a memory that stores data about the handle module and the surgical procedure;

while the handle module is connected to the inspection station, downloading to a memory of the inspection station data about the surgical procedure stored in the memory of the handle module; and

while the handle module is connected to the inspection station, visually displaying on a display of the inspection of station information about the handle module.

14. The surgical process of claim 13, further comprising:

following the surgical procedure and prior to connecting the handle module to an inspection station, removing a removable battery pack from the handle module, wherein the removable battery pack powered the handle module during the surgical procedure; and

while the handle module is connected to the inspection station, electrically powering the handle module with electric power from the inspection station.

15. The surgical process of claim 14, while the handle module is connected to the inspection station, performing one or more tests on the handle module to determine the suitability of the handle module for use in a subsequent surgical procedure.

16. The surgical process of claim 15, wherein the one or more tests comprises a seal integrity test of the handle module.

17. The surgical process of claim 15, wherein the one or more tests comprises a gear backlash test.

18. The surgical processor of claim 14, while the handle module is connected to the inspection station, performing a conditioning action to condition the handle module for use in a subsequent surgical procedure.

19. The surgical processor of claim 18, wherein the conditioning action comprises drying components of the handle module.