Medical device usage data processing

• US 9,095,346 B2
• Filed: 10/19/2011
• Issued: 08/04/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 11/05/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cilag Gmbh International (Johnson & Johnson)
• Original Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. (Johnson & Johnson)
• Inventors: Houser, Kevin L., Stulen, Foster B., Dietz, Timothy G., Willis, John W., Korvick, Donna L., Madan, Ashvani K., Zingman, Aron O.
• Primary Examiner(s): ROANE, AARON F
• Application Number:
  US13/276,725
• Publication Number:
  US 20120116367A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,385 Days
• Field of Search: 606/34
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/00234 for minimally invasive surgery A61B17/0218, A61B17/0469, A61B17/12013, A61B17/1285, A61B17/29, A61B17/320016 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/064 Surgical staples, i.e. penetrating the tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/2812 with a single pivotal connection A61B17/29 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/285 combined with cutting implements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/320068 using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic A61B17/22012 takes precedence; dental tooth drilling devices operated by vibration A61C3/03; removing intra-ocular material using mechanical vibrations A61F9/00745
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/320092 with additional movable means for clamping or cutting tissue, e.g. with a pivoting jaw
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/00 Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body eye surgery A61F9/007; ear surgery A61F11/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/04 by heating by applying electromagnetic radiation A61B18/18; hyperthermia using electric or magnetic fields, radiation or ultrasound A61N
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/12 by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1206 Generators therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1233 with circuits for assuring patient safety
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/14 Probes or electrodes therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1442 Probes having pivoting end effectors, e.g. forceps
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1445 at the distal end of a shaft, e.g. forceps or scissors at the end of a rigid rod
• 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 2017/00084 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00119 alarm; indicating an abnormal situation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00128 related to intensity or progress of surgical action
• 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 2017/0046 : with a releasable handle; with handle and operating part separable for prosthetic joint-implanting tools A61F2/4603
• 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 2017/00482 : with a code
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00734 : battery operated
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/0084 : low friction A61B2017/00853 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/291 : the position of the handle being adjustable with respect to the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2929 : with a head rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/293 : with means preventing relative rotation between the shaft and the actuating rod
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2931 : with releasable head
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/2933 : camming or guiding means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/294 : Connection of actuating rod to jaw, e.g. releasable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320069 : for ablating tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320071 : with articulating means for working tip
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320094 : additional movable means performing clamping operation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/320095 : with sealing or cauterizing means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00178 : Electrical connectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0019 : vibrating
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00589 : Coagulation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00595 : Cauterization
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00601 : Cutting
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00607 : Coagulation and cutting with the same instrument
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00702 : Power or energy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00791 : Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00988 : Means for storing information, e.g. calibration constants, or for preventing excessive use, e.g. usage, service life counter
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1226 : powered by a battery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1253 : monopolar
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/126 : bipolar
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1412 : Blade
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1455 : having a moving blade for cutting tissue grasped by the jaws
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2034/2048 : using an accelerometer or inertia sensor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2034/254 : being adapted depending on the stage of the surgical procedure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2050/005 : with a lid or cover
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2050/0065 : Peelable cover
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2050/0067 : Types of closures or fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2050/0076 : having additional locking means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2050/008 : Pegs inserted, e.g. forced, into openings
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2050/3007 : Stackable casings
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2050/3008 : having multiple compartments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0803 : Counting the number of times an instrument is used
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/0807 : Indication means
• 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 2090/372 : Details of monitor hardware
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/502 : Headgear, e.g. helmet, spectacles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/25 : User interfaces for surgical systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 46/10 : specially adapted for instruments, e.g. microscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 50/30 : Containers specially adapted for packaging, protecting, dispensing, collecting or disposing of surgical or diagnostic appliances or instruments for wound clamps A61B17/10; for ligaturing clips A61B17/122; packages or dispensers for surgical gloves or finger-stalls A61B42/40
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/08 : Accessories or related features not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/40 : Apparatus fixed or close to patients specially adapted for providing an aseptic surgical environment
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 7/00 : Ultrasound therapy lithotripsy A61B17/22, A61B17/225; massage using supersonic vibration A61H23/00 ; using ultrasound for introducing media into the body A61M37/0092
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/40 : relating to mechanical, radiation or invasive therapies, e.g. surgery, laser therapy, dialysis or acupuncture
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 : for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/425 : Structural combination with electronic components, e.g. electronic circuits integrated to the outside of the casing printed circuits H05K1/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/46 : Accumulators structurally combined with charging apparatus circuits for charging H02J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/48 : Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte constructional details of current conducting connections for detecting conditions inside cells or batteries, e.g. details of voltage sensing terminals, H01M50/569
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 2220/30 : Batteries in portable systems, e.g. mobile phone, laptop
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/23 : The load being a medical device, a medical implant, or a life supporting device
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0044 : specially adapted for holding portable devices containing batteries H02J7/0045 takes precedence
• 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: Y02E 60/10 : Energy storage using batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49005 : Acoustic transducer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49895 : Associating parts by use of aligning means [e.g., use of a drift pin or a "fixture"]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53913 : Aligner or center

Abstract

A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly having a lower portion with a hingedly attached end piece. When open, the end piece allows for receipt of a data card in a lower portion aperture. When closed, the end piece covers the aperture. In another version, the aperture is configured to receive a data card and battery pack assembly. Information is readable from and to the data card to measure a number of minutes the instrument was used during a procedure. Such information is communicated via wired or wireless communication to another device to determine a payment for the number of minutes used. Minutes are buyable from the device and writable onto the data card prior to insertion of the card into the instrument. In another version, a testing sequence is used in saline or via a tissue proxy to test the functionality of an instrument prior to a procedure.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument comprising:

(a) a data card;

(b) a body comprising a housing;

(c) a transmission assembly extending distally from the body; and

(d) an end effector at a distal end of the transmission assembly, wherein the end effector is operable to deliver energy from the transmission assembly to a surgical site;

(e) an electronics module, wherein the housing is configured to receive the electronics module, wherein the data card is removably insertable in the electronics module;

wherein the data card is operable to store data relating to an operating parameter associated with the end effector, wherein the data comprises a number of minutes the instrument was used during a procedure.

2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the data card is configured to be read in a card reader separate from the instrument.

3. The surgical instrument of claim 2, wherein the card reader is in communication with a computer via a wireless connection.

4. The surgical instrument of claim 2, wherein the card reader is configured to transmit a wireless signal including the data to a computer when the data card is received in the card reader.

5. The surgical instrument of claim 1, further comprising a card reader, wherein the data further comprises a request to purchase a type of procedure, wherein the type of procedure includes an associated number of minutes and a set of instrument parameters, and wherein the data card is configured to receive information relating to a purchased type of procedure via a purchase transaction, such that the instrument is usable for the associated number of minutes during the purchased type of procedure when the data card is removed from the card reader and received in the electronics module of the instrument.

6. The surgical instrument of claim 1, further comprising a card reader, wherein the data comprises a request to purchase a number of minutes, and the data card is configured to receive a purchased number of minutes via a purchase transaction based on the requested number of minutes, such that the instrument is usable for the purchased number of minutes during a procedure when the data card is removed from the card reader and received in the electronics module of the instrument.

7. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the end effector is configured to transmit a wireless signal including data to at least one of a computer or the data card.

8. The surgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the data card is configured to transmit a wireless signal including data to a computer when the data card is received in the electronics module of the instrument.

9. The surgical instrument of claim 8, wherein the housing includes a lower portion and an end piece, wherein the end piece is hingedly attached to the lower portion and is positionable between an open position and a closed position, and wherein the electronics module is disposed at a bottom end of the lower portion such that the data card is removably received in the electronics module when the end piece is in the open position and the data card is contained in the electronics module when the end piece is in the closed position.

10. A surgical instrument comprising:

(a) a data card;

(b) a body;

(c) a transmission assembly extending distally from the body; and

(d) an end effector at a distal end of the transmission assembly, wherein the end effector is operable to deliver energy from the transmission assembly to a surgical site;

(e) an electronics module, wherein the body is configured to receive the electronics module, wherein the data card is insertable in the electronics module;

wherein the data card is operable to store data relating to an operating parameter associated with the end effector, wherein the data comprises a request to purchase a type of procedure, wherein the type of procedure includes an associated number of minutes and a set of instrument parameters, and wherein the data card is configured to receive information relating to a purchased type of procedure via a purchase transaction, such that the instrument is usable for the associated number of minutes during the purchased type of procedure when the data card is removed from a card reader and received in the electronics module of the instrument.

11. The surgical instrument of claim 10, wherein the card reader is separate from the instrument.

12. The surgical instrument of claim 11, wherein the card reader is in communication with a computer via a wireless connection.

13. The surgical instrument of claim 11, wherein the card reader is configured to transmit a wireless signal including the data to a computer when the data card is received in the card reader.

14. A system, comprising:

(a) a data card;

(b) a body comprising a housing;

(c) a transmission assembly extending distally from the body; and

(d) an end effector at a distal end of the transmission assembly, wherein the end effector is operable to deliver energy from the transmission assembly to a surgical site;

(e) an electronics module, wherein the body is configured to receive the electronics module, wherein the data card is insertable in the electronics module;

wherein the data card is operable to store data relating to an operating parameter associated with the end effector, wherein the data comprises a request to purchase a number of minutes, and the data card is configured to receive a purchased number of minutes via a purchase transaction based on the requested number of minutes, such that the instrument is usable for the purchased number of minutes during a procedure when the data card is removed from a card reader and received in the electronics module of the instrument.

15. The surgical instrument of claim 14, wherein the card reader is separate from the instrument.

16. The surgical instrument of claim 14, wherein the card reader is in communication with a computer via a wireless connection.

17. The surgical instrument of claim 16, wherein the card reader is configured to transmit a wireless signal including the data to the computer when the data card is received in the card reader.

18. The surgical instrument of claim 14, wherein the computer is configured to send the data to an outside source via a network to conduct the purchase transaction.