Abstract:
Surgical systems and methods facilitate simulation of a prior use of a surgical instrument. Such surgical systems include a surgical instrument having a memory storing prior usage data of the surgical instrument in a usage data file(s), a processor configured to generate a simulation of the prior use based upon the usage data file(s), and a display configured to visually display the simulation of the prior use. Such methods include obtaining usage data from the prior use, storing the usage data in a usage data file(s), transmitting the usage data file(s), generating a simulation of the prior use based upon the usage data file(s), and displaying the simulation of the prior use.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/331,824, filed May 4, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments and, more particularly, to systems and methods for simulating prior use of a surgical instrument based on obtained surgical instrument data. 
       2. Background of Related Art 
       [0003]    Many surgical instruments now incorporate hardware and software features that provide various benefits including facilitating operation and control of the instruments and/or components thereof, communication between the instruments and/or components thereof, sensor-based feedback between the instruments, components thereof, and/or surrounding environment, customization of the instruments and/or components thereof for a particular use, updating of the instruments and/or components thereof, etc. Such surgical instruments may further be configured to obtain and store data related to the instrument, components thereof, and/or surrounding environment such as, for example: identification data, type data, status data, and usage data. 
         [0004]    While surgical instrument data such as that noted above is valuable for research and development, diagnostics, problem-solving, and other purposes, significant analysis, interpretation, correlation, and/or inferences are required to transform the raw data into useable information for these purposes. Thus, such data is only typically useable by those trained with the skills to interpret, correlate, and make inferences about the data. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    To the extent consistent, any of the aspects and features of the present disclosure may be used in conjunction with any or all of the other aspects and features detailed herein. 
         [0006]    Provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is a surgical system including a surgical instrument, a processing component, and a display component. The surgical instrument includes a memory configured to store usage data from a prior use of the surgical instrument in one or more usage data files. The processing component is configured to receive the usage data file(s) from the surgical instrument and generate a simulation of the prior use of the surgical instrument based upon the usage data file(s). The display component is operably coupled to the processing component and configured to visually display the simulation of the prior use of the surgical instrument. 
         [0007]    In an aspect of the present disclosure, the usage data stored in the usage data file(s) is time-stamped. 
         [0008]    In another aspect of the present disclosure, the usage data includes keystroke data, sensor feedback data, and/or operational data. 
         [0009]    In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the surgical instrument includes a plurality of components configured to releasably engage one another. Each of the components is configured to generate component usage data for storage in the usage data file(s). The component usage data may be associated, in the usage data file(s), with identifying data of the component thereof. 
         [0010]    In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the processing component and the display component are associated with a computer. 
         [0011]    In aspects of the present disclosure, the simulation is visually displayed, via the display component, as a slideshow or as an animation. 
         [0012]    In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the simulation further includes one or more icons indicating a proper or improper event in the prior use of the surgical instrument. 
         [0013]    In another aspect of the present disclosure, the processing component is configured to group, manipulate, and/or correlate the usage data stored in the usage data file(s). 
         [0014]    In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the processing component is configured to associate the grouped, manipulated, and/or correlated usage data with an image or images used to generate the simulation. 
         [0015]    A method provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure includes obtaining usage data from a prior use of a surgical instrument; storing the usage data in one or more usage data file(s), transmitting the usage data file(s), generating a simulation of the prior use of the surgical instrument based upon the usage data file(s), and displaying the simulation of the prior use of the surgical instrument. 
         [0016]    In an aspect of the present disclosure, storing the usage data in the usage data file(s) includes time-stamping the usage data. 
         [0017]    In another aspect of the present disclosure, obtaining the usage data includes obtaining keystroke data, sensor feedback data, and/or operational data. 
         [0018]    In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, obtaining the usage data includes obtaining component usage data from a plurality of components of the surgical instrument. The method may further include storing the component usage data in association with identifying data of the component thereof. 
         [0019]    In aspects of the present disclosure, displaying the simulation includes displaying a slideshow or displaying an animation. 
         [0020]    In still another aspect of the present disclosure, displaying the simulation further includes displaying an icon indicating a proper or improper event in the prior use of the surgical instrument. 
         [0021]    In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, generating the simulation includes grouping, manipulating, and/or correlating the usage data stored in the usage data file(s), and associating the grouped, manipulated, and/or correlate usage data with an image or images. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    The present disclosure and its various aspects and features are described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a system provided in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of a surgical instrument configured for use with the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 3A-3D  are images of a simulation representing the assembly of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 2 , based on obtained surgical instrument data; and 
           [0026]      FIGS. 4A-4E  are images of a simulation representing the use of the surgical instrument of  FIG. 2 , based on obtained surgical instrument data. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for simulating prior use of a surgical instrument having a memory for storing prior usage data of the surgical instrument. By providing a simulation of the prior use of the surgical instrument, the cause of a particular occurrence (e.g., an alert, malfunction, activation or deactivation of particular function(s), etc.) can be readily determined, obviating the need to analyze and correlate textual data in order to determine the cause of a particular occurrence. Although detailed below with respect to particular systems, instruments, and/or components, the aspects and features of the present disclosure are equally applicable for use with any suitable surgical systems, instruments, and components. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a medical facility  10  is shown generally including one or more surgical instruments, e.g., an electromechanical surgical stapler  100 , and a plurality of devices configured for use within medical facility  10 , e.g., a charger  200 , a router  300 , a server  400 , a computer  500 , a smartphone or tablet  600 , a display monitor  700 , etc. Surgical stapler  100  and/or one or more of devices  200 - 700  may further be configured to communicate with a remote facility  20  that includes, for example, one or more servers  800  and/or one or more computers  900 . 
         [0029]    Surgical stapler  100  is an electromechanical, battery-powered device including a handle assembly  110  configured for selective connection with an adapter  120  which, in turn, is configured for selective connection with an end effector  130 . Alternatively, an end effector may be directly connected to handle assembly  110 . Handle assembly  110  includes an outer housing  112  that is configured to receive and enclose an inner assembly  113  (shown docket in charger  200  in  FIG. 1 ). Inner assembly  113  includes a battery assembly  114  and a power-pack  116 . Battery assembly  114  provides power to power-pack  116  for powering surgical stapler  100  while power-pack  116  controls the operation of surgical stapler  100 . Adapter  120  interconnects power-pack  116  of handle assembly  110  and end effector  130  and enables mechanical and electrical communication therebetween. 
         [0030]    End effector  130  includes a tool assembly  132  having an anvil assembly  134  and a cartridge assembly  136 . Cartridge assembly  136  is pivotal in relation to anvil assembly  134 , although this configuration may be revered, between an open position and a closed position and houses a staple cartridge  138  therein. Upon firing, staples (not shown) are sequentially ejected from staple cartridge  138  for formation against anvil assembly  134 . 
         [0031]    With additional reference to  FIG. 2 , as noted above, battery assembly  114  provides power to power-pack  116  to power surgical stapler  100 . Battery assembly  114  generally includes a plurality of battery cells  114   a , a safety board  114   b , a microcontroller  114   c , a memory  114   d , and an input/output  114   e . Safety board  114   b  monitors the charging and discharging of battery cells  114   a  to ensure safe and proper operation thereof. Microcontroller  114   c  controls the receipt of energy by battery cells  114   a  and the delivery of energy from battery cells  114   a . Memory  114   d  stores information relating to battery assembly  114  such as identifying data, usage data, operating programs (for charging and/or discharging), etc. Identifying data may include the serial number, model number, manufacture date, etc. Usage data may include the charge status of battery assembly  114 , the number of procedures in which battery assembly  114  has been used, the number of charge and/or discharge cycles battery assembly  114  has been through, voltage and/or current information during charging and/or discharging, the duration of a charge and/or discharge, event logging data, fault and error data, environmental data (e.g., temperature), etc. Input/output  114   e  enables data and power transmission to/from battery assembly  114 . 
         [0032]    Power-pack  116 , as noted above, controls the operation of surgical stapler  100 . Power-pack  116  generally includes a microcontroller  116   a , a switch board  116   b , a plurality of motors  116   c , a 1-wire communication chip  116   d , a memory  116   e , a user interface  116   f , and an input/output  116   g . Microcontroller  116   a  controls the operation of surgical stapler  100  by communicating, via the 1-wire communication chip  116   d , with battery assembly  114 , outer housing  112 , adapter  120 , and end effector  130  of surgical stapler  100 . Switch board  116   b  is coupled to user-operable buttons mounted on outer housing  112  and communicates with microcontroller  116   a  to effect operation of surgical stapler  100  in accordance with the particular button or buttons depressed by the user. Motors  116   c , in response to signals received from microcontroller  116   a  via the 1-wire communication chip  116   d  and power received from battery assembly  114 , drive the mechanical operations of surgical stapler  100  (e.g., to rotate, articulate, close, fire, and/or open end effector  130 ). Memory  116   e  stores information relating to inner assembly  113 , e.g., battery assembly  114  and power-pack  116 . Information regarding battery assembly  114  may be retrieved from memory  114   d  of battery assembly  114 , or may be sensed therefrom. Information regarding power-pack  116  may include identifying data, usage data, operating programs, etc. Identifying data of power-pack  116  may include the serial number, model number, manufacture date, etc. Usage data of power-pack  116  may include, for example, keystroke data, event logging data, fault and error data, sensor feedback data (of surgical stapler  100  and/or tissue), operational data (e.g., of motors  116   c ), environmental data (e.g., temperature), etc. Memory  116   e  may further store information relating to outer housing  112 , adapter  120 , and/or end effector  130  such as identifying and usage data thereof, as detailed below. 
         [0033]    User interface  116   f  is provided in the form of a display screen viewable from the exterior of outer housing  112  of handle assembly  110  and is configured to display information such as the operational status of surgical stapler  100 , usage information associated with any or all of the components of surgical stapler  100 , notifications, etc. Input/output  116   g  may be configured for wired connection and/or wireless communication with one or more external devices (e.g., charger  200 , router  300 , server  400 , computer  500 , smartphone or tablet  600 , display monitor  700 , etc.) for communicating status information, data, updates, notifications, etc. therebetween. 
         [0034]    Each of outer housing  112 , adapter  120 , and end effector  130  of surgical stapler  100  includes a memory  112   a ,  120   a ,  130   a , respectively, storing information such as identifying data (e.g., serial number, model number, manufacture date, etc.), usage data (e.g., data indicating connection to or disconnection from other component(s), operational data, fault data, sensor feedback data, tissue data, environmental data, etc.), and setting data. Utilizing the 1-wire communication chip  116   d , microcontroller  116   a  of power-pack  116  is configured to access memories  112   a ,  120   a ,  130   a  when outer housing  112 , adapter  120 , and end effector  130 , respectively, are attached to handle assembly  110 , to enable retrieval of such information and/or storage of such information in memory  116   e  of power-pack  116 . 
         [0035]    With respect to identifying data microcontroller  116   a  is configured to read such identifying data from memories  112   a ,  120   a ,  130   a  of outer housing  112 , adapter  120 , and end effector  130 , respectively, and store such information in memory  116   e  of power-pack  116  to enable tracking of that particular component, recognition upon subsequent attachment, and association of usage data with that particular component. 
         [0036]    With respect to setting data microcontroller  116   a  is configured to read such setting data from memories  112   a ,  120   a ,  130   a  of outer housing  112 , adapter  120 , and end effector  130 , respectively, store such information in memory  116   e  of power-pack  116 , and match the setting data to a corresponding operating program stored in memory  116   e  of power-pack  116  to ensure compatible operation of power-pack  116  in accordance with the particular configuration(s) of the component(s) attached thereto. 
         [0037]    With respect to usage data microcontroller  116   a  reads usage data from memories  112   a ,  120   a ,  130   a  of outer housing  112 , adapter  120 , and/or end effector  130 , respectively, for storage in memory  116   e  of power-pack  116 , together with the usage data of inner assembly  113 . As an alternative or in addition to reading memories  112   a ,  120   a ,  130   a , microcontroller  116   a  may directly receive usage data (e.g., in real-time) from the appropriate components of outer housing  112 , adapter  120 , and/or end effector  130 . The usage data of inner assembly  113 , outer housing  112 , adapter  120 , and end effector  130  may be time-stamped and/or correlated to the identification information of the corresponding component or components(s). This information is stored in memory  116   e  of power-pack  116  in one or more data files (“usage data files”), in any suitable format. As detailed below, these usage data files are configured to be transmitted to an external device that processes and outputs the data as a simulation of the prior use of surgical stapler  100 . Microcontroller  116   a  may be configured to output the usage data files stored in memory  116   e , via a wired or wireless connection, continuously, periodically, after each use or a number of uses, upon connection to an external device, upon connection or disconnection of component(s) of surgical stapler  100 , upon request, etc. 
         [0038]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , surgical stapler  100  and one or more of the devices within medical facility  10  and/or one or more of the devices within remote facility  20  may be utilized to provide a simulation of prior use of the surgical stapler  100  based on the usage data files of surgical stapler  100 . The configuration of surgical stapler  100  and the collection and storage of information to create the usage data files are detailed above. Each of the other devices of medical facility  10  as well as the devices of remote facility  20  will be generally described below, followed by a more detailed description of the use of such devices, in conjunction with the usage data files from surgical stapler  100 , to provide a simulation of prior use of surgical stapler  100 . 
         [0039]    Charger  200  includes a base  210  defining a plurality of charging bays  220 , each configured to receive a battery assembly  114  and a power-pack  116  (together as inner assembly  113  or separately from one another) of a surgical stapler  100 , for enabling charging and/or data transfer therebetween. Charger  200  further includes a user interface  230  configured to display information relating to an attached battery assembly  114 , power-pack  116 , or other component of surgical stapler  100  that has been previously used with the power-pack  116 . Charger  200  may further be configured to download information (e.g., the usage data files) from power-packs  116  connected thereto. Charger  200  may itself process the usage data files to provide a simulation of prior use of surgical stapler  100 , or may store the data for subsequent transmission to a device configured to process the usage data files and provide a simulation based thereon. Charger  200  may include any suitable software, firmware, and hardware for the above-noted purposes. 
         [0040]    Router  300  may be configured as a hub that relays local communications (e.g., between surgical stapler  100 , charger  200 , server  400 , computer  500 , smartphone or tablet  600 , and/or display monitor  700 ), and/or remote communications (e.g., between any of the devices of medical facility  10  and any of the devices of remote facility  20 ). Server  400  may be configured to transmit/receive data to/from any of the devices of medical facility  10  and/or any of the devices of remote facility  20  and to store such data in a database, process the data, etc. Router  300  and server  400  may include any suitable software, firmware, and hardware for these purposes. Similarly as with charger  200 , the usage data files of surgical stapler  100  may be relayed via router  300  and/or stored on server  400  such that the usage data files may ultimately be used by other device(s) to provide a simulation of the prior use of surgical stapler  100 . 
         [0041]    Computer  500 , smartphone or tablet  600 , and display monitor  700  may be configured to receive the usage data files from surgical stapler  100 , charger  200 , server  400 , and/or one another (e.g., via router  300 ) and to process the usage data files to provide a simulation of the prior use of surgical stapler  100  based thereupon (e.g., on a respective display screen  510 ,  610 ,  710  thereof). Alternatively or additionally, computer  500 , smartphone or tablet  600 , and display monitor  700  may be configured to store the usage data files for subsequent transmission to one another and/or any of the devices of remote facility  20 , for processing to provide a simulation of the prior use of surgical stapler  100 . Devices  500 ,  600 ,  700  may include any suitable software, firmware, and hardware for these purposes. 
         [0042]    Continuing with reference to  FIG. 1 , remote facility  20 , as mentioned above, may include one or more servers  800  and one or more computers  900 . Server  800  may be configured to receive the usage data files from any of the devices within medical facility  10  and/or to transmit data thereto. Server  800  may further be configured to store the usage data files, process the usage data files, and/or output the usage data files to computer  900  or another device. Computer  900  may be configured to receive, store, process, and/or transmit the usage data files locally and/or remotely. More specifically, computer  900  may be configured to process the usage data files of surgical stapler  100  to provide a simulation of the prior use of surgical stapler  100  (e.g., displayed on a display  910  of computer  900 ). Server  800  and computer  900  may include any suitable software, firmware, and hardware for these purposes. 
         [0043]    The devices (e.g., charger  200 , server  400 , computer  500 , smartphone or tablet  600 , server  800 , and/or computer  900 ) configured to process the usage data files and provide a simulation of the prior use of surgical stapler  100  (e.g., to be displayed on display  510 ,  610 ,  710 ,  910 , or other suitable display), include a processor and a storage unit storing instructions to be executed by the processor to order analyze (e.g., order, manipulate, correlate, etc.) the information stored in the usage data files; associate the same with an image or images; construct a simulation of the prior use of surgical stapler  100  based thereupon; and output the image simulation to a display for viewing by a user. Ordering, manipulating, correlating, etc. the information stored in the usage data files may include, for example: grouping related data (based upon type, cause/effect, and/or chronologically); ordering the grouped data; associating the grouped data to a particular function, cause, and/or result; etc. Associating the ordered, manipulated, and/or correlated data with an image or images may include, for example, determining an image or images that represent the function(s) or action(s) associated with that data. Outputting the image simulation may include ordering the images chronologically to form a chronological simulation of the prior use of surgical stapler  100 . The output simulation may include a slideshow of still images, an animation based upon images, or other suitable visual representation. The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent in view of the exemplary simulations detailed below with respect to  FIGS. 3A-3D and 4A-4E . Although detailed with respect to generic displays  1000 ,  2000  ( FIGS. 3A-3D and 4A-4E , respectively), the processing and display of these simulations may be provided on any one of the above-detailed devices and/or displays, or any other suitable device and/or display. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIGS. 3A-3D , in conjunction with  FIG. 1 , a simulation, displayed on a display  1000 , of the prior use of surgical stapler  100  and, more particularly, the assembly thereof, is detailed.  FIG. 3A  illustrates an image  1110  representing handle assembly  110  of surgical stapler  100  and, spaced-apart therefrom, an image  1120  representing adapter  120  of surgical stapler  100 ;  FIG. 3B  illustrates image  1110  and image  1120  in engagement with one another and an icon  1002  indicating a successful and proper connection therebetween;  FIG. 3C  illustrates the engaged images  1110 ,  1120  and an image  1130 , spaced-apart therefrom, representing end effector assembly  130  of surgical stapler  100 ; and  FIG. 3D  illustrates images  1110 ,  1120 , and  1130  in engagement with one another and an icon  1004  indicating an unsuccessful or improper connection between adapter  120  and end effector  130 . 
         [0045]    When viewed together,  FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrate, initially, the successful and proper connection of adapter  120  with handle assembly  110  (represented by the approximation and engagement of images  1110 ,  1120  and icon  1002 ) and, subsequently, the unsuccessful or improper connection of end effector  130  with adapter  12  (represented by the approximation and engagement of images  1130  with images  1110 ,  1120  and icon  1004 ).  FIGS. 3A-3D  may be consecutive images in a slideshow or may be snapshots during the course of an animation showing the approximation and connection of adapter  120  with handle assembly  110  and, thereafter, the approximation and connection of end effector  130  with the connected adapter  120 . 
         [0046]    The underlying data from the usage data files of surgical stapler  100  used to construct the simulation with respect to the connection of adapter  120  with handle assembly  110  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ) may include: data indicating a successful mechanical connection of adapter  120  with handle assembly  110 , data indicating that adapter  120  has been verified as being compatible for use with handle assembly  110 , data indicating that adapter  120  has not yet reached any use limits associated therewith; and data indicating that adapter  120  has been successfully calibrated. 
         [0047]    The underlying data from the usage data files of surgical stapler  100  used to construct the simulation with respect to the connection of end effector  130  with adapter  120  ( FIGS. 3C and 3D ) may include: data indicating at least one error with respect to the mechanical connection of end effector  130  with adapter  120 , verification of end effector  130  as being compatible for use with handle assembly  110  and/or adapter  120 , a use limit(s) of end effector  130 , or calibration of end effector  130 . 
         [0048]    It is understood that the simulation represented in  FIGS. 3A-3D  is simplified for illustrating purposes and that more detailed images and/or icons identifying the particular error(s) that caused an unsuccessful or improper connection may be provided. As can be appreciated in view of the simulation illustrated in  FIGS. 3A-3D , a user reviewing the simulation, for example, would be readily able to determine that it was the unsuccessful or improper connection of end effector  130  with adapter  120  that inhibited further use of surgical stapler  100 . Further, a split-screen display may be provided such that, in conjunction with illustrating the error(s) that caused the unsuccessful or improper connection, a simulation representing a successful and proper connection may be provided, thus further enhancing the user&#39;s ability to understand the error(s). 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4E , in conjunction with  FIG. 1 , a simulation, displayed on a display  2000 , of the prior use of surgical stapler  100  and, more particularly, the use thereof during a surgical procedure, is detailed.  FIG. 4A  illustrates an image  2130  representing end effector  130  of surgical stapler  100 , disposed in a first orientation;  FIG. 4B  illustrates an image  2110  of a portion of handle assembly  110  of surgical stapler  100  including a highlighted portion  2112  representing that a rotation button of the handle assembly  110  has been actuated, and an icon  2002  indicating that rotation, in response to actuation of the rotation button, was successful;  FIG. 4C  illustrates the image  2130  representing end effector  130  of surgical stapler  100 , disposed in a second orientation resulting from the rotation thereof in response to actuation of the rotation button, and an icon  2004  indicating that rotation of the end effector  130  was successful;  FIG. 4D  illustrates the image  2110  of the portion of handle assembly  110  of surgical stapler  100  including a highlighted portion  2114  representing that a clamping button of the handle assembly  110  has been actuated, and an icon  2006  indicating that clamping, in response to actuation of the clamping button, was not successful; and  FIG. 4E  illustrates the image  2130  representing end effector  130  of surgical stapler  100 , an image  2132  representing a relatively larger volume of tissue that end effector  130  is attempting to clamp, and an icon  1108  indicating that clamping the larger volume of tissue was not successful. 
         [0050]    When viewed together,  FIGS. 4A-4E  illustrate, initially, the rotation of end effector  130  to a desired orientation in response to actuation of a rotation button associated with handle assembly  110 , followed by the attempted, but unsuccessful clamping of a relatively larger volume of tissue with end effector  130 . Similarly as detailed above,  FIGS. 4A-4E  may be consecutive images in a slideshow or may be snapshots during the course of an animation showing the rotation and subsequent attempted clamping of end effector  130 . 
         [0051]    The underlying data from the usage data files of surgical stapler  100  used to construct the simulation with respect to the rotation of end effector  130  in response to actuation of the rotation button of handle assembly  110  ( FIGS. 4A-4C ) may include: data indicating an initial orientation of end effector  130 , data indicating an actuation of the rotation button, data indicating driving of one or more of motors  116   c  to effect the rotation of end effector  130 , and data indicating the resultant position of end effector  130 . 
         [0052]    The underlying data from the usage data files of surgical stapler  100  used to construct the simulation with respect to the attempted clamping of the large volume of tissue with end effector  130  ( FIGS. 4D and 4E ) may include: data indicating that end effector  130  is disposed in an open condition; data indicating an actuation of the clamping button, data indicating driving of one or more of motors  116   c  to attempt to clamp tissue with end effector  130 , data indicating a resistance to further clamping (based upon, for example, too large a load for the one or more of motors  116   c , feedback from a strain gauge, feedback from a force sensor, etc.), data indicating that the one or more motors  116   c  have been stopped, and data indicating the spacing between anvil assembly  134  and a cartridge assembly  136  of end effector  130  is outside the acceptable range for the clamping position. 
         [0053]    It is understood that the simulation represented in  FIGS. 4A-4E  is simplified for illustrating purposes and that more detailed images and/or icons identifying the particular error(s) that caused an unsuccessful or improper connection may be provided. As can be appreciated in view of the simulation illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-4E , a user reviewing the simulation, for example, would be readily able determine that clamping was unsuccessful due to the presence of too much tissue between anvil assembly  134  and a cartridge assembly  136  of end effector  130 . 
         [0054]    Surgical systems such as the surgical stapler described herein may also be configured to work with robotic surgical systems and what is commonly referred to as “Telesurgery.” Such robotic surgical systems employ various robotic elements to assist the surgeon and allow remote operation (or partial remote operation) of surgical instrumentation. Various robotic arms, gears, cams, pulleys, electric and mechanical motors, etc. may be employed for this purpose and may be designed with a robotic surgical system to assist the surgeon during the course of an operation or treatment. Such robotic systems may include remotely steerable systems, automatically flexible surgical systems, remotely flexible surgical systems, remotely articulating surgical systems, wireless surgical systems, modular or selectively configurable remotely operated surgical systems, etc. 
         [0055]    Reference is made herein to U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0116416, filed on Nov. 3, 2011, entitled “Medical Workstation,” the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference, for a more detailed discussion of the construction and operation of an exemplary robotic surgical system. 
         [0056]    The above-detailed simulations based on underlying data from the usage data files of surgical stapler  100  are exemplary and illustrative; the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, although embodiments have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings for the purpose of illustration and description, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not to be construed as limited thereby. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications to the foregoing embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.