SURGICAL SYSTEM

One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be a surgical system that may include: a surgical robot; an operating device configured to be operated by a doctor to operate the surgical robot; and a controller. The operating device includes a component for which a setting is adjustable, and an information reader configured to acquire user information from a storage medium that stores the user information including user identification information and setting information of the component. The controller is configured control the component to adjust the setting of the component based on the setting information acquired from the storage medium by the information reader.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority based on 35 USC 119 from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-163383 filed on Oct. 11, 2022 entitled “SURGICAL SYSTEM”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure may relate to a surgical system and, more particularly, may relate to a surgical system that includes a manipulator including a component for which a setting are adjustable.

In a related art, a surgical system is known that includes an operating device including a component for which a setting is adjustable (see, for example, Patent Document 1: U.S. Pat. No. 8,508,173).

U.S. Pat. No. 8,508,173 discloses a surgical system that includes a surgical robot and an operating device that includes a setting adjustable component whose setting is adjustable and is configured to operate the surgical robot. The surgical system also includes a storage device that stores ergonomic settings, associated with a user's login ID, for setting adjustable components, such as a height of a display, a pedal position of a pedal system, a height of an armrest, etc. Based on the user's login ID entered via a touchpad, the ergonomic settings associated with the user's login ID are retrieved from the storage device so as to automatically adjust the height of the display, and the like.Patent Document 1: U.S. Pat. No. 8,508,173

SUMMARY

However, in the surgical system disclosed in Patent Document 1, based on the user's login ID input through the touch pad, the ergonomic settings are read from the storage device to automatically adjust the height of the display and the like. In a medical institution that has newly introduced a surgical system, it is necessary to invite a preceptor called a proctor to perform robotic surgery (robot-assisted surgery) while receiving guidance and education on from the preceptor. In such a case, there is a problem that ergonomic setting for the preceptor cannot be stored in a storage device in advance, and it is necessary to store the ergonomic setting for the preceptor in the storage device after the preceptor arrives at the medical institution, which is troublesome.

An object of an embodiment of the disclosure is to provide a surgical system that is capable of reducing the time and effort to adjust a setting of a component for an intended user even if the setting of the component for the indented user is not stored in an operating device of the surgical system.

An aspect of the disclosure may be a surgical system that may include a surgical robot, an operating device for a doctor to operate the surgical robot, and a controller. The operating device includes a component configured to adjust a setting thereof, an information reader configured to acquire user information from a storage medium that stores user information including user identification information and component setting information. The controller is configured to, based on the setting information acquired from the storage medium by the information reader, control the component to adjust the setting of the component.

In the surgical system according to the aspect described above, the controller controls the component to adjust the setting of the component based on the setting information acquired from the storage medium by the information reader. Accordingly, even though the setting of the component of the operating device is not stored in the storage medium of the surgical system, the setting of the component can be obtained from the storage medium possessed by the doctor. As a result, it is necessary to manually input the setting of the component of the operating device. Therefore, even if the setting of the component is not stored in the operating device of the surgical system, it is possible to reduce the time and effort to adjust the setting of the component.

According to the aspect of the disclosure, it may be possible to reduce the time and effort to adjust setting of the component even when the setting of the component is not stored in the operating device of the surgical system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A configuration of a surgical system100(a surgical operation system100) according to an embodiment is described with reference toFIGS.1to7.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the surgical system100includes a surgical robot1and an operating device2(control device, remote control device) to operate the surgical robot1. The surgical robot1and the operating device2are placed or installed in a same facility. Assistants are assigned near the surgical robot1as surgical staff. The surgical system100is also equipped with a monitor cart4for the assistants to share information.

The surgical robot1includes one manipulator arm11that holds an endoscope5and a plurality (three, in this example) of manipulator arms12that hold surgical instruments6. The endoscope5captures an image of a surgical site inside a patient P. An end effector such as forceps is attached to a distal end of each of or at least one of the surgical instruments6. The operating device2is provided for operating the manipulator arms11and12.

The surgical robot1is placed in a surgery room (or an operating room). The surgical robot1includes a medical cart13, a positioner14and an arm base15. The surgical robot1is configured to be movable by the medical cart13. The medical cart13is provided with a controller16(or a controller) that controls operation of the surgical robot1. The controller16controls the operation of the surgical robot1based on commands input to the operating device2. The controller16includes a processor or a circuitry such as a CPU that executes programs, and a storage such as a memory that stores the programs.

Further, the medical cart13is provided with an input device17. The input device17is configured to accept operations to move or change postures of the manipulator arm11, the manipulator arms12, the positioner14, the arm base15, mainly in order to prepare for surgery before the surgery.

The positioner14is configured as a seven-axis articulated robot. The positioner14is disposed on the medical cart13. The positioner14is configured to move the arm base15. Specifically, the positioner14is configured to move the position of the arm base15three-dimensionally.

The arm base15is attached to a distal end of the positioner14. The manipulator arm11and the manipulator arms12are attached to the arm base15at their base portions (proximal end portions). The arm base15, the manipulator arm11, and the manipulator arm12are used with being covered with a sterile drape.

The control device2is placed inside the surgery room or outside the surgery room, for example. The operating device2includes operating handles21, foot pedals22, a touch panel23, a scope type display24, an armrest25, a voice communication device26, a sensor27, a controller28, a reader (reading device)29, and a support arm30. The scope type display24is an example of a “display.” The reader29is an example of an “information reader” and an “IC card reader.”

The operating handles21are control handles provided for the operator (such as a doctor (surgeon)) to input commands. The operating handles21are provided for the operator (doctor) to operate the manipulator arms11and12(the endoscope5and the surgical instruments6). Each of the operating handles21includes a plurality of links and a plurality of joints connecting the links, and each joint is provided with an encoder for detecting an amount of rotation. Each of the operating handles21also receives an operation amount (a movement amount) by which the operating handle21is operated (moved) to operate the manipulator arms11and12(the endoscope5and the surgical instruments6). The operating handles21comprise a pair of operating handles21which include a left-hand operating handle21L to be operated by the left hand of the operator (doctor) and a right-hand operating handle21R to be operated by the right hand of the operator (doctor). The surgical instrument6that is held by one manipulator arm12is operated by the left-hand operating handle21L, and the surgical instrument6that is held by another manipulator arm12is operated by the right-hand operating handle21R.

The operating handles21are configured to set a ratio (scaling) of a movement amount of the endoscope5and the surgical instruments6with respect to the operation amount received by the operation handle21. When the scaling ratio is set to ½, for example, the endoscope5or the surgical instruments6move ½ of the movement distance of the operating handles21. This allows for precise fine surgery.

The plural foot pedals22are provided to operate the surgical instruments6and the endoscope5held by the manipulator arms12and11of the surgical robot1. In other words, the plural foot pedals22are provided to perform functions related to the endoscope5and surgical instruments6. The plural foot pedals22include a coagulation pedal, a cutting pedal, a camera pedal, and a clutch pedal. The plurality foot pedals22are operated by the operator's (doctor's) foot. When the camera pedal is operated, the operating handles21are allowed to move the endoscope held by the manipulator arm11. At this time, the endoscope is moved by operating both the left-hand operating handle21L and the right-hand operating handle21R.

The plural foot pedals22are provided on a pedal tray22asuch that the positions of the plural foot pedals22can be adjusted frontward and backward. The pedal tray22ais provided below the operating handles21. Further, the pedal tray22ais configured to be moved back and forth by a motor.

The touch panel23is configured to accept setting operations regarding the operating device2. The touch panel23is provided to the armrest25. The scope type display24is configured to display an endoscopic image (seeFIG.6) acquired by the endoscope5. The scope type display24is an immersive display (display device) that allows only the operator (doctor) to see the displayed image. The operator (doctor) operates the operating handles21and the foot pedals22while viewing a surgical site (or an affected area) displayed on the scope type display24. The support arm30supports the scope type display24so that the height of the scope type display24can be adjusted to the height of the face of the operator such as a doctor.

The armrest25is formed in a shape of a bar, and is configured so that the operator (doctor) can put his or her arm thereon when operating the operating handles21. The voice communication device26is provided at a position where the operator (doctor) can perform voice communication with a voice communication device42of the monitor cart4while looking into the scope type display24. Specifically, the voice communication device26is provided near the head of the operator (doctor) when the operator (doctor) looks into the scope type display24. The voice communication device26is provided integrally with the scope type display24and thus the voice communication device26and the scope type display24can be integrally adjusted in height by the support arm30.

The sensor27is configured to detect whether or not the scope type display24is in a state of use in which the scope type display24is looked into. The sensor27is provided at a position where the sensor27detects the head of the operator (doctor) when the operator positions his or her head to look into the scope type display24. The sensor27is provided integrally with the scope type display24. The controller28controls the operation of the operating device2. The controller28includes a processor or a circuitry such as a CPU that executes programs, and a storage28asuch as a memory that stores the programs and information.

As illustrated inFIG.2, a voice communication device26includes a microphone261and a speaker262. The microphone261accepts voice input. The speaker262outputs sound. As illustrated inFIG.3, the speaker262is provided at a position close to the operator's ear in the state where the operator (doctor) looks into the scope type display24. The microphone261is provided at a position close to the operator's mouth when the operator (doctor) looks into the scope type display24. The microphone261and the speaker262are provided integrally with the scope type display24.

With reference toFIGS.1and2, the monitor cart4includes a display41(a display device) for displaying the endoscopic image acquired by the endoscope5(seeFIG.1), and the voice communication device42for voice communication with the voice communication device26of the operating device2. Also, the monitor cart4is positioned closer to the surgical robot1than the operating device2. Therefore, an assistant placed as a surgical staff near the surgical robot1can check the endoscopic image through the monitor cart4and interact with the doctor (operator). The voice communication device42also includes a microphone421and a speaker422. The microphone421accepts voice input. The speaker422outputs sound. The display41is, for example, a flat panel display or a curved panel display.

The monitor cart4is provided with a controller43. An image acquired by the endoscope5is input to the controller43of the monitor cart4. The controller43performs image processing. The controller43includes a processor or a circuitry such as a CPU that executes programs, and a storage such as a memory that stores the programs.

Note that the controller43displays the same image on each of the scope type display24and the display41. That is, the same endoscopic image is displayed on the scope type display24and the display41.

As illustrated inFIGS.1to3, the operating device2includes the sensor27that detects whether or not the scope type display24is in the state of use, that is, whether the head of the operator is positioned to look into the scope type display24. The controller16prohibits the manipulator arms11and12from being operated by the operating handles21when the sensor27does not detect the state of use, and permits the manipulator arms11and12to be operated by the operating handles21when the sensor27detects the state of use. The controller16is configured to, in a state where the sensor27does not detect the state of use, prohibit the operations of the manipulator arms11and12by not accepting input from the operating handles21. To the contrary, the controller16is configured to, in a state where the sensor27detects the state of use state, accept predetermined inputs from the operating handles21by operably connecting the manipulator arms11and12to the operating handles21.

The controller43is configured to generate a graphical user interface G that is superimposed on the endoscopic image. The endoscopic image on which the graphical user interface G generated by the controller43is superimposed is displayed on the display41and sent to the operating device2to be displayed on the scope type display24.

Here, in an embodiment, the operating device2includes components whose settings can be adjusted. Also, as illustrated inFIGS.1and2, the reader29is configured to acquire user information31from an integrated circuit (IC) card3that stores the user information31including user identification information32and component setting information33. The controller28is configured to control, based on the setting information acquired from the IC card3through the reader29, the components to adjust the settings of the components. Thereby, even if the settings of the components of the operating device2are not stored in the storage device of the surgical system100, the settings of the components can be obtained from the IC card3possessed by the operator. As a result, it is not necessary for the operator to manually input the settings of the components of the operating device2. Therefore, even if the settings of the components are not stored in the operating device2of the surgical system100, it is possible to reduce or suppress the time and effort to adjust the setting of the components. Note that the IC card3is an example of a “storage medium.”

When the surgical system100is activated, the controller28displays on the touch panel23a notification that prompts the user (such as a doctor) to hold the IC card3over the reader29. Further, when updating the user information31in the IC card3, the controller28displays a notification that prompts the user (such as a doctor) to hold the IC card3over the reader29. For example, the user information31is updated when surgery or training is completed.

The component comprises one or more moveable components for each of which ergonomic setting is adjustable. Based on the setting information33obtained from the IC card3of the operator though the reader29, the controller28controls the one or more movable components to move so as to adjust the ergonomic settings of the one or more movable components for the operator. Thereby, even if the ergonomic settings for the operating doctor are not stored in the operating device, it is possible to reduce the effort required to adjust the ergonomic settings for the operating doctor to the one or more movable components.

Specifically, the operating device2includes, as an ergonomically adjustable component, the armrest25of which the height is adjustable. As illustrated inFIG.1, the reader29is provided on the armrest25. As a result, the ergonomic setting of the height-adjustable armrest25can be easily formed according to the physique and preference of the operating doctor. Further, by providing the reader29on the armrest25which can be easily accessed by the doctor's hand, the IC card3can be easily brought close to the reader29to read the information. The operating device2is configured such that the height of the operating handles21is adjusted in conjunction with the adjustment of the height of the armrest25.

As illustrated inFIGS.4and5, the reader29is provided inside the armrest25. The armrest25includes a lower member251and an upper member252. The lower member251may be made of, for example, metal. The upper member252is made of a resin that easily transmits radio waves. The upper member252is formed of a member that is not too hard, since the operator's hand is placed thereon. For example, the upper member252is made of an elastic material.

The reader29is configured to read information from the IC card3by non-contact communication. That is, by holding the IC card3over the armrest25, the operator causes the operating device2to acquire the user information31. The reader29includes an IC card reader configured to read information stored in the IC card3as a storage medium. Since the IC card3is used as the storage medium, the doctor can easily carry the storage medium (the IC card3).

The operating device2also includes the pedal tray22awhose position is adjustable in the front-rear direction, as an ergonomically adjustable component. Thus, based on the setting information33acquired from the IC card3, the operation position of the foot pedal22in the front-rear direction can be easily set.

The operating device2includes, as components whose settings are adjustable, the scope type display24whose brightness is adjustable, the microphone261whose volume is adjustable, and the speaker262whose volume is adjustable. Accordingly, based on the setting information33acquired from the IC card3, the brightness of the scope type display24, and the volume of the microphone261and the volume of the speaker262can be easily set. Further, the scope type display24is configured to adjust the contrast thereof, and the contrast of the scope type display24can be easily set based on the setting information33acquired from the IC card3. The microphone261and the speaker262are configured to be set to be ON or OFF, and can be easily set to be turned ON or OFF based on the setting information33acquired from the IC card3.

The operating device2also includes the operating handles21as setting adjustable components. The operating handle21is adjustable for scaling, which is the ratio of the movement amount of the surgical robot1to the operation amount of the operating handle21. Based on the setting information33acquired from the IC card3, the scaling of the operating handles21can be easily set.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the armrest25is provided with the touch panel23. The touch panel23is configured to receive input of settings for components. Accordingly, by operating the touch panel23of the armrest25, the settings of the components can be easily done.

The reader29has a function of writing information to the IC card3. That is, the reader29also functions as a writer (a reader/writer) The controller28controls the reader29to write, to the IC card3, the settings for the components received through the touch panel23. Accordingly, the setting conditions of the components input through the touch panel23can be stored in the IC card3and carried. When another operating device2is to be used, the same settings are easily set to the another operating device2.

The scope type display24is configured such that one of a plurality of screen layouts of the scope type display24is selectable. The setting items of the scope type display24as a setting adjustable component include selection of a screen layout of the scope type display24. This makes it possible to easily set the screen layout of the scope type display24based on the setting information33acquired from the IC card3. Further, as illustrated inFIG.6, the scope type display24is configured to display the graphical user interface G with being superimposed on the endoscope image captured by the endoscope5. The scope type display24is configured such that the setting of the graphical user interface G to be superimposed is adjustable.

For example, the design of the graphical user interface G can be set. The color of the graphical user interface G can be set. The sizes of the icons in the graphical user interface G can be set. ON and OFF of the display of supplementary information, such as the time and etc., to be displayed on the graphical user interface G can be switched. ON and OFF of the display of the position of the out-of-field forceps to be displayed on the graphical user interface G can be switched. ON and OFF of the display of the level which is to be displayed when the endoscope5is moved can be switched. ON and OFF of the display, on the scope type display24, of the number of times the forceps have been used can be switched.

Further, in an embodiment, the controller28(16) determines whether or not certificate information34for a robot-assisted endoscopic surgery given to the doctor is stored in the IC card3and permits the usage of the operating device2and the surgical robot1when it is determined that the certificate information34is stored in the IC card3. As a result, it is possible to prevent use of the surgical robot1when it is inappropriate for the doctor to perform a robot-assisted endoscopic surgery by using the surgical system100.

The certificate information34is information of a certificate issued to a doctor who has attended a training program provided by the manufacturer of the surgical robot1, and may include, for example, a certificate number.

The certificate information34includes information on a plurality of certificates issued to a doctor who has attended a plurality of training programs respectively set for a plurality of surgical fields. For example, a certificate is issued to a doctor who has completed a training program for operating the surgical robot1for each surgical site and each surgical procedure. The controller28(16) is configured to permit usage of the operating device2and the surgical robot1in the fields of surgery for which the certificates contained in the certificate information34have been issued. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the operating device2and the surgical robot1from being used in a surgical field in which a training program using the surgical system100has not been taken by the doctor.

Further, the controller28(16) is configured to restrict a part of the functions of the operating device2and the surgical robot1when the certificate information34is not stored in the IC card3. As a result, unlike the case where all the functions of the operating device2and the surgical robot1are restricted, a person other than the doctor who do not have the certificate(s) can perform operations other than surgery such as preparing the surgical robot1. In addition, doctors or the like who do not have the certificate are restricted from operating the operating device2and the surgical robot1for surgery or the like. For example, when the certificate information34is not stored, selection of uncertified types of surgery is prohibited, the types of surgical instruments6that can be used are limited, and/or the movement ranges of the manipulator arms12are limited.

As illustrated inFIG.7, when the usage history information35, of the doctor, of the surgical robot1is stored in the IC card3, the controller28displays the usage history information on the scope type display24. This allows the doctor to easily check the usage history of the surgical robot1.

Specifically, the usage history information includes information on at least one of the total operating time of the surgical robot1, the dates and times of use of the surgical robot1, and the number of cases in which surgery has been performed using the surgical robot1. This allows the doctor to easily check the total operating time of the surgical robot1, the dates and times of use of the surgical robot1, or the number of cases in which the surgical robot1has been used.

Further, the controller28controls the reader29to write information to the IC card3so as to update the usage history information stored in the IC card3. Accordingly, by writing the information in the IC card3after the doctor has performed surgery using the surgical system100, the usage history information can be easily updated.

One or more embodiments described above may achieve effects as described below.

In an embodiment as described above, the controller28is configured to control, based on the setting information acquired from the IC card3by the reader29, the component(s) so as to adjust the setting(s) of the component(s). Thereby, even if the setting(s) of the component(s) of the operating device2is not stored in the storage device of the surgical system100, the setting(s) of the component(s) can be obtained from the IC card3carried by the doctor. As a result, it is not necessary for the operator to manually input the setting(s) of the component(s) of the operating device2. Therefore, even if the setting(s) of the component(s) is not stored in the operating device2of the surgical system100, it is possible to reduce or suppress the time and effort to adjust the setting(s) of the component(s).

Note that one or more embodiments disclosed herein should be considered as exemplary in all respects and do not limit the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated by claims, not by explanation of one or more embodiments described above, and includes equivalents to the claims and all alterations (modification) within the same.

For example, in one or more embodiments described above, the case has been described in which the scope type display is provided to the operating device. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the operating device may be provided with a display other than the scope type display, such as a curved panel display, a flat panel display, or the like.

Further, in one or more embodiments described above, the case has been described in which the voice communication is performed through the voice communication device provided in the monitor cart. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In the disclosure, the surgical robot may be provided with a voice communication device for voice communication.

Further, in one or more embodiments described above, the case has been described in which the IC card is used as a storage medium and the reader for reading the information in the IC card is used as an information reader. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In the disclosure, as a storage medium, any storage medium other than the IC card may be used. For example, as a storage medium, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone capable of contactless communication may be used. Further, as a storage medium, a storage medium such as a USB memory, an SD card, or the like, which is to be connected to communicate information, may be used. Furthermore, as a storage medium, a magnetically readable card type storage medium may be used.

Further, in one or more embodiments described above the case has been described in which the reader serving as an information reader is provided to the armrest. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In the disclosure, the information reader may be provided to a prat other than the armrest. For example, the information reader may be provided on a display or on a support arm that supports the display.

Further, in one or more embodiments described above, the case has been described in which examples of a movable component are the armrest and the pedal tray. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In the disclosure, the position of the display may be movable by a driver or a driving device, and thus the display may be a movable component. Further, the position of the operating handles may be adjustable independently of the height adjustment of the armrest, and thus the operating handles may be movable components. Alternatively, a chair with adjustable height and angle may be provided as a movable component.

Further, in one or more embodiments described above, the case has been described in which the surgical robot and the operating device are installed in the same facility. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In the disclosure, a surgical robot and a first operating device may be placed at a first facility and a second operating device may be placed at a second facility, so as to provide a remote surgery support from the second facility to operate the surgical robot placed at the first facility with the second operating device placed at the second facility via an external network.

It may be appreciated by those skilled in the art that one or more embodiments described above may be specific examples of the following aspects.

(Item 1) A surgical system including:a surgical robot;an operating device configured to be operated by a doctor to operate the surgical robot; anda controller, whereinthe operating device includes a component for which a setting is adjustable, and an information reader configured to acquire user information from a storage medium that stores user information including user identification information and setting information of the component, andthe controller is configured control the component to adjust the setting of the component based on the setting information acquired from the storage medium by the information reader.
(Item 2) The surgical system according to Item 1, whereinthe component comprises one or more moveable components for each of which ergonomic setting is adjustable;the controller is configured to control to move the one or more movable components so as to adjust the ergonomic setting of the one or more movable components based on the setting information obtained from the storage medium by the information reader.
(Item 3) The surgical system according to Item 2, whereinthe one or more movable components include a height-adjustable armrest, andthe information reader is provided to the armrest.
(Item 4) The surgical system according to Item 3, whereinthe armrest is provided with a touch panel, andthe touch panel is configured to accept input of a setting for the component.
(Item 5) The surgical system according to Item 4, whereinthe information reader is configured to include a function of writing information to the storage medium, andthe controller is configured to control the information reader to write the setting for the component received by the touch panel to the storage medium.
(Item 6) The surgical system according to any one of Items 2 to 5, whereinthe one or more movable components includes a pedal tray a position of which is adjustable frontward and rearward, andthe pedal tray is provided with a plurality of foot pedals for manipulating a surgical instrument held by a manipulator of the surgical robot.
(Item 7) The surgical system according to any one of Items 1 to 6, whereinthe component comprises a display with adjustable brightness, a microphone with adjustable volume, and a speaker with adjustable volume.
(Item 8) The surgical system according to any one of Items 1 to 7, whereinthe component comprises an operating handle configured to be operated to move the surgical robot, and the setting includes scaling which is a ratio of an amount of movement of the surgical robot to an amount of movement of the operating handle.
(Item 9) The surgical system according to Item 7, whereinthe display is configured such that, from a plurality of screen layouts, one of the plurality of screen layouts is selectable, anda setting item for the display include selection of the screen layout.
(Item 10) The surgical system according to any one of Items 1 to 9, whereinthe controller is configured to determine whether or not information of a certificate of a robot-assisted endoscopic surgery given to the doctor is stored in the storage medium, and to permit to use the operating device and the surgical robot when it is determined that the information of the certificate is stored in the medium.
(Item 11) The surgical instrument according to Item 10, whereinthe certificate comprises a plurality of certificates for a plurality of surgical fields respectively, andthe controller is configured, for each of surgical fields for which the information of the certificate is stored in the storage medium, to permit use of the operating device and the surgical robot.
(Item 12) The surgical system according to Item 10 or 11, whereinthe controller is configured, when it is determined that the information of the certificate is not stored in the storage medium, to restrict a part of the functions of the operating device and the surgical robot.
(Item 13) The surgical system according to any one of Items 10 to 12, whereinthe certification is issued by attending a training program provided by a manufacturer of the surgical robot.
(Item 14) The surgical system according to any one of Items 1 to 13, whereinthe operating device includes a display, andthe controller is configured, when usage history information of the surgical robot used by the doctor is stored in the storage medium, to display the usage history information on the display.
(Item 15) The surgical system according to Item 14, whereinthe usage history information includes information on at least one of a total operating time of the surgical robot, dates and times of use of the surgical robot, and a number of cases in which surgery has been performed using the surgical robot.
(Item 16) The surgical system according to Item 14 or 15, whereinthe information reader is configured to include a function of writing information to the storage medium, andthe controller is configured to control the information reader to write information to the storage medium so as to update the usage history information stored in the storage medium.
(Item 17) The surgical system according to any one of Items 1 to 16, whereinthe information reader comprises an IC card reader configured to read information stored in an IC card as the storage medium.

The invention includes other embodiments or modifications in addition to one or more embodiments described above without departing from the spirit of the invention. One or more embodiments described herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Hence, all configurations including the meaning and range within equivalent arrangements of the claims are intended to be embraced in the invention.