SURGICAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROTECTING AGAINST UNAUTHORIZED USE

A surgical device includes a limited-use component configured to perform a surgical operation, where the limited-use component can be used for a pre-determined number of uses, and a reusable component operationally coupled to the limited-use component. The limited-use component includes a body forming a pocket and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag disposed within the pocket. The reusable component includes an RFID tag transceiver configured to read operating parameters from a memory of the RFID tag of the limited-use component. The operating parameters are erased from the memory when the limited-use component has been used for the pre-determined number of uses.

FIELD

The present disclosure is generally related to surgical systems and methods for protecting against unauthorized use and, more particularly, to surgical systems for using radio frequency identification (RFID) to prevent reuse of a limited use device.

BACKGROUND

Surgical devices intended for single- or limited-use may be inappropriately reprocessed and reused in a manner contrary to the manufacturer's specifications. Unauthorized use of such inappropriately reprocessed devices raises a variety of safety issues not present when a device is used the authorized number of times as permitted by the manufacturer.

SUMMARY

This disclosure generally relates to protecting against unauthorized use of a surgical device that includes a limited-use component. Based on information stored on an RFID tag in the limited-use component, the surgical device becomes unavailable for continued use after the authorized number of uses of the limited-use component is reached.

Provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is a surgical device to perform a surgical operation. The surgical device includes a limited-use component configured to perform a surgical operation, where the limited-use component can be used for a pre-determined number of uses, and a reusable component operationally coupled to the limited-use component. The limited-use component includes a body forming a pocket and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag disposed within the pocket. The reusable component includes an RFID tag transceiver configured to read operating parameters from a memory of the RFID tag of the limited-use component. The operating parameters are erased from the memory when the limited-use component has been used for the pre-determined number of uses.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the RFID tag transceiver may be disposed in vertical registration with the RFID tag when the reusable component is operationally coupled to the limited-use component.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the operating parameters may be encrypted to limit reproduction and reprograming of the operating parameters.

In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the operating parameters may include at least one of a home/initial position of the limited-use component, a rotation type, revolution per minute (RPM) settings, a maximum RPM, pressure setting information, vacuum setting information, outflow setting information, or calibration information.

Provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is a surgical device to perform a surgical operation. The surgical device includes a limited-use component configured to perform a surgical operation, where the limited-use component can be used for a pre-determined number of uses. The limited-use component includes a body forming a pocket, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag disposed within the pocket, and an irreversible electrical component electrically coupled to the RFID tag. The surgical device further includes a reusable component operationally coupled to the limited-use component. The reusable component includes an RFID tag transceiver configured to read operating parameters from a memory of the RFID tag of the limited-use component.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, activation of the memory may include the RFID tag transceiver writing new information in the memory and immediately reading the new information from the memory.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the RFID tag transceiver may be disposed in vertical registration with the RFID tag when the reusable component is operationally coupled to the limited-use component.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the operating parameters may be encrypted to limit reproduction and reprograming of the operating parameters.

In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the operating parameters may include at least one of a home/initial position of the limited-use component, a rotation type, revolution per minute (RPM) settings, a maximum RPM, pressure setting information, vacuum setting information, outflow setting information, or calibration information.

Provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is a surgical device to perform a surgical operation. The surgical device includes a limited-use component configured to perform a surgical operation, where the limited-use component can be used for a pre-determined number of uses. The limited-use component includes a body forming a pocket, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag disposed within the pocket, and an irreversible electrical component electrically coupled to the RFID tag. The surgical device further includes a reusable component operationally coupled to the limited-use component. The reusable component includes an RFID tag transceiver configured to read operating parameters from a memory of the RFID tag of the limited-use component.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the irreversible electrical component may be activated when the limited-use component has been used for the predetermined number of uses.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the irreversible electrical component may be a fuse.

In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the RFID tag transceiver may be disposed in vertical registration with the RFID tag when the reusable component is operationally coupled to the limited-use component.

In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the operating parameters may be encrypted to limit reproduction and reprograming of the operating parameters.

In still yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the operating parameters may include at least one of a home/initial position of the limited-use component, a rotation type, revolution per minute (RPM) settings, a maximum RPM, pressure setting information, vacuum setting information, outflow setting information, or calibration information.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Surgical devices may include one or more reusable, single-use, and/or limited-use components. By limiting use of certain components to a one-time (single) use or to a predetermined number of times (limited) use, a manufacturer can ensure a certain level of performance thereof. Radio frequency identification (RFID) may be used in accordance with the present disclosure to limit the number of uses of such components. Provided herein are surgical devices, which include one or more single-use or limited-use components, and which incorporate RFID technology to prevent unauthorized uses more than an allowed number of uses.

Referring toFIG. 1, a surgical system1000may include a surgical generator1100, a monopolar surgical device1200, and/or a bipolar surgical device1500. The monopolar surgical device1200may have a handpiece assembly1250, an elongated probe or end effector assembly1300for treating tissue of the patient (e.g., cutting, ablating, sealing, etc.), and a return pad1350. The elongated probe1300may be for a one-time use and the handpiece assembly1250may be reusable. By replacing the elongated probe1300, which contacts the tissue of interest, potential contamination caused by reuse of the elongated probe1300may be avoided, and one-time use of the elongated probe1300may avoid deterioration of functionality that may occur due to over-usage.

The monopolar surgical device1200may be connected to the surgical generator1100via one of several output connectors thereof. The surgical generator1100generates surgical energy in the form of radio frequency (RF) energy, although other suitable energies, e.g., thermal, microwave, ultrasonic, light, etc., are also contemplated. The surgical energy is supplied to the monopolar surgical device1200, which applies the surgical energy to treat the tissue via the elongated probe1300. The surgical energy is then returned to the surgical generator1100through the return pad1350. The return pad1350provides a sufficient contact area with the patient's tissue so as to minimize the risk of tissue damages due to the surgical energy applied to the tissue.

The bipolar surgical device1500may include a handpiece assembly1550and an elongated probe or end effector assembly1600. The handpiece assembly1550may be reusable and the elongated probe1600may be configured for one-time use. The bipolar surgical device1500can be also connected to the surgical generator1100via one of several output connectors. The surgical energy is supplied to one of the two jaw members of the elongated probe1600to treat the tissue and is returned to the surgical generator1100through the other one of the two jaw members, although other energy modalities are also contemplated such as those noted above.

The surgical generator1100may be any suitable type of generator and may include a plurality of connectors to accommodate various types of surgical devices (e.g., monopolar surgical device1200and bipolar surgical device1500). The surgical generator1100may also be configured to operate in a variety of modes, such as ablation, cutting, coagulation, and sealing. The surgical generator1100may include a switching mechanism (e.g., relays) to switch the supply of RF energy among the connectors to which various surgical devices may be connected. For example, when the monopolar surgical device1200is connected to the surgical generator1100, the switching mechanism switches the supply of RF energy to the monopolar plug. In aspects, the surgical generator1100may be configured to provide RF energy to a plurality of surgical devices simultaneously.

The surgical generator1100includes a user interface having suitable user controls (e.g., buttons, activators, switches, or touch screens) for providing control parameters to the surgical generator1100. These controls allow the user to adjust parameters of the surgical energy (e.g., the power level or the shape of the output waveform) so that the surgical energy is suitable for a particular surgical procedure (e.g., coagulating, ablating, sealing, or cutting). The energy delivery devices1200and1500may also include a plurality of user controls. In addition, the surgical generator1100may include one or more display screens for displaying a variety of information related to operation of the surgical generator1100(e.g., intensity settings and treatment complete indicators).

In aspects, the surgical system1000may be a robotic system and the monopolar and bipolar surgical devices1200,1500may be connected to the surgical generator1100via a robotic device, e.g., a robotic arm.

The reusable component1250or1550of the monopolar or bipolar surgical device1200or1500may be capable of communicating with the limited-use component1300or1600to make sure that the limited-use component1300or1600can be used once or up to a predetermined or authorized number of times.

When the limited-use component1300or1600is used, the reusable component1250or1550counts the number of uses of the limited-use component1250or1550and save the usage number in a memory of the limited-use component1250or1550. When the number of uses reaches the authorized/predetermined/approved number, the limited-use component1250or1550cannot be used further. In this way, the limited-use component1250or1550may be used up to the approved/authorized number of times. Further, the limited-use component1250or1550may store the authorized or approved number of usages in the memory. Details regarding mechanisms to deactivate the limited-use component1250or1550will be described below with reference toFIGS. 2-4.

Referring generally toFIGS. 2-6, another surgical instrument10is provided in accordance with the present disclosure and configured to resect tissue. Surgical instrument10includes an end effector assembly100and a handpiece assembly200. End effector assembly100is detailed below as incorporating an RFID chip190. It is understood that RFID chip190may similarly be incorporated into the limited-use component1250or1550of device1200or1500, or other suitable component of a surgical device for similar purposes.

The surgical instrument10is adapted to connect to a control unit (not shown) via a cable300to provide power and control functionality to the surgical instrument10, although the surgical instrument10may alternatively or additionally include a power source, e.g., battery, and/or a control unit disposed within the handpiece assembly200. The surgical instrument10is further adapted to connect to a fluid management system (not shown) via outflow tubing (not shown) connected to outflow port400for applying suction to remove fluid, tissue, and debris from a surgical site via the surgical instrument10. The control unit and fluid management system may be integral with one another, coupled to one another, or separate from one another.

The end effector assembly100of the surgical instrument10may be configured as a single-use (or limited-use) device that is discarded after use (or uses) for repeated use by the end-user, or a partially-single-use, partially-reusable device. With respect to partially-single-use, partially reusable configurations, the handpiece assembly200may be configured as a cleanable/sterilizable, reusable component, while the end effector assembly100is configured as a single-use, disposable/reprocessable component. In any of the above configurations, the end effector assembly100is configured to releasably engage the handpiece assembly200to facilitate disposal/reprocessing of any single-use components and cleaning and/or sterilization of any reusable components. Further, enabling releasable engagement of the end effector assembly100with the handpiece assembly200allows for interchangeable use of different end effector assemblies, e.g., different length, configuration, etc., end effector assemblies, with the handpiece assembly200.

The end effector assembly100may include an outer shaft120, an inner shaft140, a hub assembly160, a drive assembly180, and an RFID chip190, as shown inFIG. 3. The outer shaft120includes a proximal end portion122and a distal end portion124defining at least a partially closed distal end.

The inner shaft140is rotatably disposed within the outer shaft120and includes a proximal end portion142and a distal end portion144defining at least a partially closed distal end146. The inner shaft140is configured for rotation and/or oscillation within and relative to the outer shaft120to facilitate intended surgical operations of the end effector assembly100.

The inner shaft140may be driven to rotate continuously in a single direction. Alternatively, inner shaft140may be configured to repeatedly oscillate, rotating in one direction and then rotating in the other direction. The end effector assembly100may be driven in either the rotational or oscillatory fashion, depending upon the input received from the handpiece assembly200. Translational motion, in addition or as an alternative to rotational motion, is also contemplated.

As noted above, the end effector assembly100includes the outer shaft120, the inner shaft140, the hub assembly160, and the drive assembly180. The end effector assembly100may further include an RFID chip190captured between a retainer cap170of the hub assembly160and a proximal extension portion164of a hub housing161of the hub assembly160.

The RFID chip190may be used to limit the number of uses of the end effector assembly100. In particular, the RFID chip190may include a memory, which stores information of the end effector assembly100and operating parameters of the end effector assembly100.

In an aspect, the operating parameters may be encrypted to limit reproduction and reprogramming of the end effector assembly100to protect against tampering with the memory of the RFID chip190. Further, encryption may protect the limitation on the number of uses of the end effector assembly100.

The hub assembly160includes a hub housing161having a distal body portion162and a proximal extension portion164that are configured for engagement with one another, e.g., via snap-fitting or other suitable engagement. With the end effector assembly100engaged with the handpiece assembly200, the proximal extension portion164of the hub housing161extends into the handpiece assembly200while the distal body portion162substantially abuts and extends distally from the handpiece assembly200. The proximal extension portion164of the hub housing161further defines an outflow opening165through a sidewall thereof that is configured to fluidly communicate with an internal bore214of the handle housing210of the handpiece assembly200when the end effector assembly100is engaged therewith.

The distal body portion162of the hub housing161is fixedly disposed about the proximal end portion122of the outer shaft120with the outer shaft120extending distally therefrom. The inner shaft140extends through the outer shaft120, as noted above, and extends proximally through the distal body portion162of the hub housing161into the proximal extension portion164of the hub housing161, thereby the drive assembly180is operably coupled to the proximal end portion142of the inner shaft140.

The hub assembly160additionally includes an outer shell168configured for positioning about the distal body portion162of the hub housing161and for engagement therewith, e.g., via snap-fit engagement or in any other suitable manner. A cantilever engagement finger169aextends proximally from a lower surface of the outer shell168of the hub housing161and proximally from the distal body portion162of the hub housing161when the outer shell168is engaged thereabout. The engagement finger169aincludes an engagement tooth169bextending therefrom that is configured for engagement within an engagement aperture218defined within the handle housing210of the handpiece assembly200to enable releasable engagement of the end effector assembly100with the handpiece assembly200. Grasping ribs169care defined on side surfaces of the outer shell168to facilitate engagement and disengagement of the end effector assembly100to and from the handpiece assembly200.

With reference toFIG. 3, the retainer cap170of the hub assembly160is configured for snap-fit or other suitable engagement with a proximal end portion of the proximal extension portion164. The retainer cap170defines a longitudinal lumen174extending through the retainer cap170. An internal collar176protrudes radially inwardly into the longitudinal lumen174. The internal collar176includes a distally-oriented notch178defined therein. The retainer cap170further includes an external collar defining a pocket179b.The pocket179bis configured to receive the RFID chip190therein. When the retainer cap170is engaged with the proximal extension portion164, e.g., via snap-fitting, the open end of pocket179bis blocked by a proximal face of the proximal extension portion164, thereby securing the RFID chip190therein.

Referring generally toFIGS. 3 and 4, the drive assembly180is configured to operably couple a drive rotor260of the handpiece assembly200with the inner shaft140such that rotation of the drive rotor260drives rotation and/or oscillation of the inner shaft140within and relative to the outer shaft120. The drive assembly180, more specifically, includes a proximal driver182, a distal driver184, and a biasing spring186, e.g., a coil compression spring. In some devices, the drive assembly180may further include a threaded coupler and cam follower (not shown) operable to convert rotation of the drive rotor260into reciprocation of the inner shaft140such that the inner shaft140is both rotated and reciprocated in response to rotation of the drive rotor260. Additionally or alternatively, the drive assembly180may include gearing (not shown) configured to amplify or attenuate the output rotation of the inner shaft140relative to the input rotation from the drive rotor260. Setting values or operating parameters of the inner shaft140of the end effector assembly100may be saved in the memory of the RFID chip190.

The distal driver184of the drive assembly180is fixed about the proximal end portion142of the inner shaft140and includes a proximal body portion185a,a distal body portion185b,and a lumen185cextending longitudinally therethrough. The distal driver184further includes a collar186ddisposed thereabout between the proximal and distal body portions185a,185b,respectively. The proximal body portion185aof the distal driver184of the inner core drive assembly150includes a proximal foot185eextending proximally therefrom. At least a portion of the proximal foot184edefines a non-circular cross-sectional configuration, e.g., a semi-circular, rectangular or other polygonal configuration.

The RFID chip190is loaded into the pocket179bof the retainer cap170and, thereafter, the retainer cap170is slid in a proximal-to-distal direction about the proximal driver182into engagement, e.g., via snap-fitting, with the proximal extension portion164of the hub housing161. The internal collar176of the retainer cap170defines a diameter less than an outer diameter of the external collar183cof the proximal body portion183aof the proximal driver182such that the proximal driver182is inhibited from passing proximally therethrough. As a result, the engagement of the retainer cap170with the proximal extension portion164of the hub housing161retains the proximal driver182in engagement with the distal driver184against the bias of the biasing spring186. Accordingly, once the retainer cap170is engaged with the proximal extension portion164of the hub housing161, it is no longer required to hold the proximal driver182.

In the fully assembled condition of the end effector assembly100, as noted above, the biasing spring186biases the proximal driver182proximally such that the proximally-oriented tab183dof the external collar183cof the proximal body portion183aof the proximal driver182is engaged within the distally-oriented notch178of the internal collar176of the retainer cap170to thereby rotationally fix the inner shaft140relative to the outer shaft120. The end effector assembly100, e.g., the proximal driver182, the distal driver184, and the retainer cap170thereof, may be configured such that, in the biased, rotationally locked position, corresponding to a closed position of the inner shaft140relative to the outer shaft120.

The handpiece assembly200generally includes the handle housing210, an outflow path220defined through the handle housing210and communicating with an outflow port400, a motor250disposed within the handle housing210, and a drive rotor260disposed within the handle housing210and operably coupled to the motor250. The handpiece assembly200may further include one or more controls270, e.g., buttons, disposed on the handle housing210to facilitate activation of the surgical instrument10, toggle between various modes, and/or to vary the speed of the motor250. Further, outflow tubing (not shown) is configured to connect to the outflow port400to thereby connect the outflow port400to a fluid management system (not shown). The fluid management system includes a vacuum source to establish suction through the surgical instrument10and the outflow tubing to facilitate removal of fluid, tissue, and debris from the surgical site and may also include a collection reservoir, e.g., a collection canister, for collecting the removed fluid, tissue, and debris. As an alternative or in addition to a vacuum source establishing suction through the surgical instrument10and the outflow tubing, vacuum may be created therethrough via a pressure differential between the surgical site and the outflow path.

The handle housing210defines a pencil-grip configuration, although other configurations are also contemplated, e.g., pistol-grip configurations, and includes an open distal end portion212communicating with an internal bore214. The open distal end portion212of the handle housing210provides access to the drive rotor260and the internal bore214within the handle housing210such that, upon engagement of the end effector assembly100with the handpiece assembly200, as detailed below, a portion of the end effector assembly100extends through the open distal end portion212and into the internal bore214to operably couple with the drive rotor260and fluidly couple the end effector assembly100with the internal bore214and, thus, the outflow path220.

The cable300extends proximally from the handle housing210and is configured to connect to the control unit (not shown) to provide power and control functionality to the surgical instrument10. The cable300, more specifically, houses one or more wires (not shown) that extend into the handle housing210and electrically couple the controls270and the motor250with the control unit to the motor250and control operation of the end effector assembly100in accordance with the controls270, the control unit, and/or other remote control devices, e.g., a footswitch (not shown). The cable300further includes one or more wires310that connect to an RFID transceiver290disposed within the handle housing210towards the distal end thereof.

The drive rotor260is operably coupled with and extends distally from the motor250such that, upon activation of the motor250, the motor250drives rotation of the drive rotor260. The drive rotor260defines a base262and the rotor body264extending distally from the base262, which is stationary and surrounds the rotor body264. The rotor body264defines a non-circular cross-sectional configuration, e.g., a square or other polygonal configuration, and is configured for at least partial receipt within the proximally-facing cavity183eof the proximal driver182of the end effector assembly100in fixed rotational orientation relative thereto upon engagement of the end effector assembly100with the handpiece assembly200such that activation of the motor250drives rotation of the rotor body264of the drive rotor260to, in turn, drive the proximal driver182of the end effector assembly100.

The end effector assembly100engages with the handpiece assembly200in preparation for use of the surgical instrument10. In order to engage the end effector assembly100with the handpiece assembly200, the end effector assembly100is approximated relative to the handpiece assembly200such that the retainer cap170and the proximal extension portion164of the hub housing161are inserted into the internal bore214of the handle housing210of the handpiece assembly200. As the end effector assembly100is approximated in this manner, the grasping ribs169cof the outer shell168of the hub assembly160of the end effector assembly100are grasped and squeezed inwardly towards one another, thereby causing the upper and lower surfaces of the outer shell168to flex outwardly. As the lower surface of the outer shell168is flexed outwardly, the engagement finger169aand the engagement tooth169bare likewise flexed outwardly. This enables the end effector assembly100to be approximated further towards the handpiece assembly200such that the engagement tooth169bis disposed in alignment with and below an engagement aperture218defined within the handle housing210of the handpiece assembly200.

Upon release of the grasping ribs169cof the outer shell168, the upper and lower surfaces as well as the engagement finger169aand the engagement tooth169bare returned inwardly towards their initial positions. In this manner, the engagement tooth169bis received within the engagement aperture218to thereby engage the end effector assembly100with the handpiece assembly200. Disengagement and release of the end effector assembly100from the handpiece assembly200is affected in the opposite manner.

The end effector assembly100is approximated relative to the handpiece assembly200to affect the above-detailed engagement, the drive rotor260of the handpiece assembly200is received within the proximally-facing cavity183eof the proximal body portion183aof the proximal driver182in fixed rotational orientation thereof, e.g., due to the at least partially complementary configurations thereof. The drive rotor260, more specifically, is inserted within the proximally-facing cavity183eand bottoms out therein prior to engagement of the engagement tooth169bwithin the engagement aperture218and, thus, prior to engagement of the end effector assembly100with the handpiece assembly200. Accordingly, the end effector assembly100is required to be further approximated relative to the handpiece assembly200in order to affect engagement. As a result, with the rotor body264bottomed-out within the proximally-facing cavity183e,further approximation of the end effector assembly100urges the proximal driver182distally through and relative to the retainer cap170, against the bias of the biasing spring186, to thereby displace the proximally-oriented tab183dof the external collar183cof the proximal body portion183aof the proximal driver182from within the distally-oriented notch148of the internal collar176of the retainer cap170, thereby rotationally unlocking the proximal and distal drivers182,184from the retainer cap170and the hub housing161. Thus, the inner shaft140is unlocked from the outer shaft120and permitted to rotate relative thereto.

With the end effector assembly100engaged with the handpiece assembly200as detailed above, the RFID chip190of the end effector assembly100is disposed in vertical registration with the RFID transceiver290of the handpiece assembly200, e.g., wherein the RFID transceiver290is radially aligned with and disposed radially-outwardly of the RFID chip190relative to a longitudinal axis defined through the end effector assembly100and the handpiece assembly200, due to the required orientation of the end effector assembly100to enable engagement with the handpiece assembly200, e.g., such that the engagement tooth169bis received within the engagement aperture218. Thus, with the end effector assembly100engaged with the handpiece assembly200, the RFID transceiver290may read/write data from/to the memory of the RFID chip190and/or communicate read/write data from/to the control unit, e.g., via cable300.

The data stored in the memory of the RFID chip190of the end effector assembly100, as noted above, may include information of the end effector assembly100, such as the item number, e.g., SKU number, date of manufacture, manufacture location (e.g., location code), serial number, use count (which may be updated by writing data from the RFID transceiver290to the memory of the RFID chip190), and encryption key(s) to encrypt data, and operating parameters including the home/initial position of the inner shaft140, the rotation type (rotation versus oscillation), RPM settings (default, high, medium, low), max RPM, pressure setting information, vacuum setting information, outflow setting information, and calibration information. Additional or alternative data may be also saved in the memory of the RFID chip190.

Continuing with reference toFIGS. 2-6, with the end effector assembly100engaged with the handpiece assembly200as detailed above, the surgical instrument10is ready for use. Based on the operating parameters read from the memory of the RFID chip190, the surgical instrument10may be configured to provide suitable energy to perform the corresponding surgical operation via the end effector assembly100. In use, the motor250of the handpiece assembly200is activated to drive rotation of the drive rotor260. Upon activation of the motor250, with a head-start or delay relative to activation of the motor250, or independently thereof, suction is established through the surgical instrument10, e.g., via activating the vacuum source of the fluid management system.

Activation of the motor250, in either a rotating or oscillating fashion, drives rotation of the drive rotor260which, in turn, drives rotation of the proximal driver182to, in turn, drive rotation of the distal driver184and thereby rotate or oscillate the inner shaft140relative to the outer shaft120. The rotation or oscillation of the inner shaft140relative to the outer shaft120, together with the suction applied through the inner shaft140, enables tissue to be drawn into the inner shaft140, cut, and suctioned, along with fluids and debris, proximally through the inner shaft140, the drive assembly180, through output the outflow opening165of the proximal extension portion164of the hub housing161, and through the outflow path220of the handpiece assembly200to outflow the outflow port400for output to the collection reservoir of the fluid management system.

Upon engagement of the end effector assembly100with the handpiece assembly200, a control program (not shown) associated with the motor250may record the rotational position of drive the rotor260as a home position and, after activation, ensure that the drive rotor260stops at a rotational position corresponding to the home position, e.g., the closed position of the inner shaft140relative to the outer shaft120. The control program may utilize correlation information, e.g., from the RFID chip190, correlating, for example, rotation of drive the drive rotor260with rotation of the inner shaft140to ensure that the inner shaft140is returned to the closed position relative to the outer shaft120after each activation. Returning to the home position, corresponding to the closed position of the inner shaft140, also returns the proximal driver182to its initial rotational position whereby the proximally-oriented tab183dof the external collar183cof the proximal driver182is rotationally aligned with the distally-oriented notch178of the retainer cap170. As such, upon disengagement and withdrawal of the end effector assembly100from the handpiece assembly200, the biasing spring186returns the proximal driver182proximally to thereby the bias proximally-oriented tab183dinto engagement within the distally-oriented notch178to re-engage rotational lock rotationally fixing the inner shaft140in the closed position relative to the outer shaft120.

When the end effector assembly100is engaged with the handpiece assembly200, the RFID transceiver290is electromagnetically coupled with the RFID chip190and able to read data stored in the memory of the RFID chip190of the end effector assembly100. Based on the operating parameters in the read data, the surgical instrument10performs a surgical operation via the end effector assembly100. After completion of the surgical operation, the RFID transceiver290may erase the data stored in the memory of the RFID chip190. Since there is no data left in the memory of the RFID chip190, the end effector assembly100cannot be reused when the end effector assembly100is connected to the handpiece assembly200again. In this way, after completion of the surgical operation, the disposable end effector assembly100cannot be re-used.

In an aspect, the RFID chip190may include an irreversible component, which prevents re-use of the end effector assembly100. The irreversible component may be activated after completion of the surgical operation. That is, after completion of the surgical operation, the RFID transceiver290may activate the irreversible component, which then irreversibly deactivates the RFID chip190. The irreversible component may be an electrical fuse, and when activated, may be melted and separated into two pieces, thereby disconnecting electrical coupling with the RFID transceiver290.

In another aspect, the RFID chip190may be disposed or cannot be re-used when the memory thereof is activated. After completion of the surgical operation, the RFID transceiver290activates the memory of the RFID chip190by writing new data on the memory and immediately reading the written data from the memory.

Deactivating the end effector assembly100may be enabled with the methods described above, singly or in any combination. Furthermore, other methods for deactivating the RFID chip190, which are readily contemplated by persons killed in the art, are incorporated in this disclosure.

Referring back toFIG. 2, as an alternative to the handpiece assembly200configured for manual grasping and manipulation during use, the surgical instrument10may alternatively be configured for use with a robotic surgical system wherein the handle housing210is configured to engage a robotic arm of the robotic surgical system. The robotic surgical system may employ various robotic elements to assist the surgeon and allow remote operation (or partial remote operation). More specifically, various robotic arms, gears, cams, pulleys, electric and mechanical motors, etc. may be employed for this purpose and may be designed with the robotic surgical system to assist the surgeon during the course of an operation or treatment. The robotic surgical system 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.

The robotic surgical system may be employed with one or more consoles that are next to the operating theater or located in a remote location. In this instance, one team of surgeons or nurses may prep the patient for surgery and configure the robotic surgical system with the surgical device disclosed herein while another surgeon (or group of surgeons) remotely controls the surgical device via the robotic surgical system. As can be appreciated, a highly skilled surgeon may perform multiple operations in multiple locations without leaving his/her remote console which can be both economically advantageous and a benefit to the patient or a series of patients.

The robotic arms of the robotic surgical system are typically coupled to a pair of master handles by a controller. The handles can be moved by the surgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the working ends of any type of surgical instrument (e.g., end effectors, graspers, knifes, scissors, cameras, fluid delivery devices, etc.) which may complement the use of the tissue resecting devices described herein. The movement of the master handles may be scaled so that the working ends have a corresponding movement that is different, smaller or larger, than the movement performed by the operating hands of the surgeon. The scale factor or gearing ratio may be adjustable so that the operator can control the resolution of the working ends of the surgical instrument(s).