Abstract:
An electromechanical surgical system is provided and includes a hand-held surgical device. The surgical device includes a device housing defining a connecting portion for selectively connecting with an adapter assembly, the housing being configured to removably receive a battery therein; at least one drive motor supported in the device housing for controlling power delivered from a battery to the motor. The system includes a battery configured for disposition in the device housing, the battery being capable of powering the at least one drive motor, the battery including at least one display. The device housing is configured such that the at least one display of the battery is visible therethrough.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation Application which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/143,371, filed Dec. 30, 2013, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/753,110, filed Jan. 16, 2013, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]      1 . Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates to surgical devices and/or systems and their methods of use. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to hand-held, electromechanical surgical devices and/or systems for clamping, cutting and/or stapling tissue. 
         [0004]    2. Background of Related Art 
         [0005]    A number of surgical device manufacturers have developed product lines with proprietary drive systems for operating and/or manipulating electromechanical surgical devices. In many instances the electromechanical surgical devices include a reusable handle assembly, and disposable or single use loading units. The loading units are selectively connected to the handle assembly prior to use and then disconnected from the handle assembly following use in order to be disposed of, while the handle assembly is sterilized or autoclaved for re-use. 
         [0006]    Many of these electromechanical surgical devices include complex drive components that utilize a variety of user interfaces that accept user inputs (e.g., controls) for controlling the devices as well as provide feedback to the user, typically via a sequence of lights or the like (i.e., LED&#39;s). However, due to the use of autoclaving to sterilize these electromechanical surgical devices, many traditional communication methods are not useable or integrated into the electromechanical surgical devices, namely, LCD screens, speakers, etc. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, a need continues to exist for electromechanical surgical apparatus, devices and/or systems having improved user interfaces. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    The present disclosure relates to hand-held, electromechanical surgical devices and/or systems for clamping, cutting and/or stapling tissue. 
         [0009]    According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an electromechanical surgical system is provided and comprises a hand-held surgical device, including a device housing defining a connecting portion for selectively connecting with an adapter assembly, the housing being configured to removably receive a battery therein; at least one drive motor supported in the device housing and being configured to rotate a drive shaft; and a circuit board disposed within the housing for controlling power delivered from a battery to the motor. The surgical system further comprises a battery configured for disposition in the device housing, the battery being capable of powering the at least one drive motor, the battery including at least one display. The device housing is configured such that the at least one display of the battery is visible therethrough. 
         [0010]    At least a portion of the device housing may be transparent. The display of the battery may be visible through the transparent portion of the device housing when the battery is received in the device housing. 
         [0011]    A door may be supported on the device housing. The door may have an open position for permitting insertion of the battery into the device housing and a closed position for retaining the battery in the device housing. At least a portion of the door may be transparent. The display of the battery may be visible through the transparent portion of the door when the battery is received in the device housing. 
         [0012]    The battery may include multiple displays. Each of the displays of the battery may be visible through the device housing. 
         [0013]    At least a portion of the device housing may define a window. The display of the battery may be visible through the window of the device housing when the battery is received in the device housing. 
         [0014]    The door may define a window, and wherein the display of the battery may be visible through the window of the door when the battery is received in the device housing. 
         [0015]    The device housing may include multiple windows, and wherein each of the displays of the battery may be visible through a respective window of the device housing. 
         [0016]    At least one of the surgical device and the battery may include an orientation device configured to change an orientation of an image displayed on the at least one display depending on a particular orientation of the surgical device. The orientation device may include at least one of a linear acceleration sensor, a rotational acceleration sensor, a magnetometer, a linear gyroscope and a rotational gyroscope. 
         [0017]    At least one of the displays of the battery may display at least one of potential failures of the surgical device, procedural steps for resolving the potential failures, autoclaving counts for the surgical device, end of life counts for the surgical device, features of an internal software EEProm, and battery life. 
         [0018]    The battery may include a speaker integrally formed therewith. 
         [0019]    The electromechanical surgical system may further comprise an end effector configured to perform at least one function, the end effector including at least one axially translatable drive member; and an adapter assembly for selectively interconnecting the end effector and the surgical device. 
         [0020]    The adapter assembly may include an adapter housing configured and adapted for selective connection to the connecting portion of the surgical device and to be in operative communication with each of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; an outer tube having a proximal end supported by the adapter housing and a distal end configured and adapted for connection with the end effector, wherein the distal end of the outer tube is in operative communication with each of the at least one axially translatable drive member of the end effector; at least one drive converter assembly for interconnecting a respective one of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device and one of the at least one axially translatable drive member of the end effector, wherein the at least one drive converter assembly includes a first end that is connectable to a drive shaft of the surgical device and a second end that is connectable to the at least one axially translatable drive member of the end effector, wherein the at least one drive converter assembly converts and transmits a rotation of the rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device to an axial translation of the at least one axially translatable drive member of the end effector. 
         [0021]    At least one of the displays of the battery may display at least one of potential failures of at least one of the battery, the surgical device, the adapter and the end effector; procedural steps for resolving the potential failures; autoclaving counts for at least one of the surgical device, the adapter and the end effector; end of life counts for at least one of the battery, the surgical device, the adapter and the end effector; features of an internal software EEProm of the surgical device, and battery life. 
         [0022]    According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a battery for use in a handheld electromechanical surgical device is provided. The battery comprises a primary source of energy for energizing the hand-held electromechanical surgical device; and at least one display integral therewith for displaying a parameter of at least one of the battery and the surgical device. 
         [0023]    The battery may be configured to display at least one of potential failures of at least one of the battery and the surgical device; procedural steps for resolving the potential failures; end of life counts for at least one of the battery and the surgical device; features of an internal software EEProm of the surgical device. 
         [0024]    The battery may include a secondary source of energy for energizing each display. 
         [0025]    The battery may include multiple displays. The battery may include a display provided in at least one of a rear wall, a first side wall, a second side wall and a bottom wall thereof. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]    Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0027]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a surgical device and adapter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a connection thereof with an end effector; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the surgical device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view, with parts separated, of the surgical device of FIGS. 
           [0030]      1  and  2 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4A  is a front, perspective view of a battery for use in the surgical device of  FIGS. 1-3 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4B  is a rear, perspective view of the battery of  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5A  is a rear, perspective view of a lower portion of a surgical device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0034]      FIG. 5B  is a front, perspective view of the lower portion of  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 6A  is a rear, perspective view of a lower portion of a surgical device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 6B  is a front, perspective view of the lower portion of  FIG. 6A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0037]    Embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical devices, and adapter assemblies for surgical devices and/or handle assemblies are described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. As used herein the term “distal” refers to that portion of the adapter assembly or surgical device, or component thereof, farther from the user, while the term “proximal” refers to that portion of the adapter assembly or surgical device, or component thereof, closer to the user. 
         [0038]    A surgical device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, is generally designated as  100 , and is in the form of a powered hand held electromechanical device configured for selective attachment thereto of a plurality of different end effectors that are each configured for actuation and manipulation by the powered hand held electromechanical surgical device. 
         [0039]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , surgical device  100  is configured for selective connection with an adapter  200 , and, in turn, adapter  200  is configured for selective connection with an end effector or single use loading unit  300 . 
         [0040]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , surgical device  100  includes a handle housing  102  having a lower housing portion  104 , an intermediate housing portion  106  extending from and/or supported on lower housing portion  104 , and an upper housing portion  108  extending from and/or supported on intermediate housing portion  106 . Intermediate housing portion  106  and upper housing portion  108  are separated into a distal half-section  110   a  that is integrally formed with and extending from the lower portion  104 , and a proximal half-section  110   b  connectable to distal half-section  110   a  by a plurality of fasteners. When joined, distal and proximal half sections  110   a ,  110   b  define a handle housing  102  having a cavity  102   a  therein in which a circuit board  150  and a drive mechanism  160  is situated. 
         [0041]    Distal and proximal half-sections  110   a ,  110   b  are divided along a plane that traverses a longitudinal axis “X” of upper housing portion  108 , as seen in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0042]    Handle housing  102  includes a gasket  112  extending completely around a rim of distal half-section and/or proximal half-section  110   a ,  110   b  and being interposed between distal half-section  110   a  and proximal half-section  110   b . Gasket  112  seals the perimeter of distal half-section  110   a  and proximal half-section  110   b . Gasket  112  functions to establish an air-tight seal between distal half-section  110   a  and proximal half-section  110   b  such that circuit board  150  and drive mechanism  160  are protected from sterilization and/or cleaning procedures. 
         [0043]    In this manner, the cavity  102   a  of handle housing  102  is sealed along the perimeter of distal half-section  110   a  and proximal half-section  110   b  yet is configured to enable easier, more efficient assembly of circuit board  150  and a drive mechanism  160  in handle housing  102 . 
         [0044]    Intermediate housing portion  106  of handle housing  102  provides a housing in which circuit board  150  is situated. Circuit board  150  is configured to control the various operations of surgical device  100 , as will be set forth in additional detail below. 
         [0045]    Lower housing portion  104  of surgical device  100  defines an aperture (not shown) formed in an upper surface thereof and which is located beneath or within intermediate housing portion  106 . The aperture of lower housing portion  104  provides a passage through which wires  152  pass to electrically interconnect electrical components (i.e., a battery  156 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , a circuit board  154 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , etc.) situated in lower housing portion  104  with electrical components (circuit board  150 , drive mechanism  160 , etc.) situated in intermediate housing portion  106  and/or upper housing portion  108 . 
         [0046]    Handle housing  102  includes a gasket  103  disposed within the aperture of lower housing portion  104  (not shown) thereby plugging or sealing the aperture of lower housing portion  104  while allowing wires  152  to pass therethrough. Gasket  103  functions to establish an air-tight seal between lower housing portion  106  and intermediate housing portion  108  such that circuit board  150  and drive mechanism  160  are protected from sterilization and/or cleaning procedures. 
         [0047]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , lower housing portion  104  of handle housing  102  provides a housing in which a rechargeable battery  156 , is removably situated. Battery  156  is configured to supply power to any of the electrical components of surgical device  100 . Lower housing portion  104  defines a cavity (not shown) into which battery  156  is inserted. Lower housing portion  104  includes a door  105  pivotally connected thereto for closing cavity of lower housing portion  104  and retaining battery  156  therein. 
         [0048]    Turning now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , battery  156  includes a front wall  156   a , a rear wall  156   b , a top wall  156   c , a bottom wall  156   d , a right wall  156   e , and a left wall  156   f . In accordance with the present disclosure, battery  156  includes a first display  157   a  supported therein and visible through rear wall  156   b . It is contemplated, as seen in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , that battery  156  may include a second display  157   b  supported therein and visible through right wall  156   e , a third first display  157   c  supported therein and visible through left wall  156   f  and/or a fourth display  157   d  supported therein and visible through front wall  156   a . Although not shown, it is contemplated that a display may be provided in bottom wall  156   d  or any outer wall or surface of battery  156 . 
         [0049]    Each display  157   a - 157   d  may include, and is not limited to light emitting diodes (LED&#39;s), liquid crystal displays (LCD&#39;s) and the like. Displays  157   a - 157   d , as will be described in greater detail below, may provide a user with visual indications and/or notifications prior to, during and/or following a surgical procedure performed with surgical device  100 . 
         [0050]    In an embodiment, it is contemplated that battery  156 , as will be described in greater detail below, may include a speaker  159   a  supported in rear wall  156   b . Speaker  159   a  may provide a user with audible indications and/or notifications prior to, during and/or following a surgical procedure performed with surgical device  100 . 
         [0051]    Turning now to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, surgical device  100  may include a lower housing portion  104  and/or a door  105  fabricated from a transparent or translucent material. By fabricating lower housing portion  104  and/or door  105  from a transparent or translucent material, the displays  157   a - 157   d  of battery  156  may be visible therethrough by an end user (i.e., surgeon, nurse, etc.). 
         [0052]    Exemplary transparent or translucent materials for lower housing portion  104  and/or door  105  include and are not limited to polycarbonate, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), Ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), acrylics, plastics etc. which are resistant to the sterilizing and/or autoclaving procedures which surgical device  100  is subjected to following each surgical procedure. In particular, the materials for lower housing portion  104  and/or door  105  should be resistant to dulling, discoloring or opaquing overtime as surgical device  100  is subjected to the sterilizing and/or autoclaving procedures. 
         [0053]    Turning now to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , in an alternate embodiment, lower housing portion  104  may include a first window  104   a  formed in a side wall thereof, a second window  104   b  formed in an opposite side wall thereof, and/or a third window  104   c  formed in a front wall thereof. Windows  104   a - 104   c  are configured, dimensioned and located in lower housing portion  104  such that relative displays  157   c ,  157   b  and  157   d  of battery  156  are visible therethrough, when battery  156  is fully inserted in the cavity of lower housing portion  104 . 
         [0054]    Further, door  105  of surgical device  100  may include a window  105   a  formed therein such that display  157   a  of battery  156  is visible through window  105   a  of door  105  when battery  156  is fully inserted in the cavity of lower housing portion  104  and door  105  properly closed. 
         [0055]    It is contemplated that each window  104   a - 104   c ,  105   a  may include a pane of glass or other clear material, as described above, which would provide an end user the ability to see the display(s) of battery  156  therein. 
         [0056]    Battery  156  may include a single source of power which is capable of providing power to surgical device  100  to accomplish the surgical procedure, as well as to provide power to any of the displays  157   a - 157   d  and/or the speaker  159   a . Alternatively, battery  156  may include a primary source of power which is capable of providing power to surgical device  100  to accomplish the surgical procedure, and a secondary source of power which is capable of providing power to any of the displays  157   a - 157   d  and/or the speaker  159   .    
         [0057]    It is further contemplated that battery  156  and/or surgical device  100  may include an orientation device or sensor  151  (see  FIG. 3 ) or the like, and associated programming, which functions to orient and/or re-orient the images and/or information on each of the displays  157   a - 157   d  depending on the orientation of surgical device  100  relative to the end user. Alternatively, the orientation device or sensor  151  and the programming associated therewith can customize the orientation of the images and/or information on the displays  157   a - 157   d  such that at least one of the display(s) presents the images and/or information therein in an orientation best suited for viewing by the surgeon, while at least one of the display(s) presents the images and/or information therein in an orientation best suited for viewing by the nurse. 
         [0058]    It is contemplated that orientation device or sensor  151  of battery  156  and/or surgical device  100  may include, and are not limited to, linear and/or rotational acceleration sensors which may include accelerometers, magnetometers and/or gyroscopes (linear and/or rotational). 
         [0059]    In accordance with the present disclosure, since battery  156  is removed from surgical device  100  prior to any cleaning, sterilizing and/or autoclaving process, it follows that the displays  157   a - 157   d  and/or speaker  159   a  are also removed from surgical device  100  thereby sparing the displays  157   a - 157   d  and/or speaker  159   a  from exposure to the deteriorating nature of the cleaning, sterilizing and/or autoclaving process stemming from the relatively high temperatures and/or pressures and as a result of the chemicals used thereby. 
         [0060]    Also in accordance with the present disclosure, when battery  156  is inserted into the cavity of lower housing  104  of surgical device  100 , battery  156  is configured to communicate with surgical device  100 . In accordance therewith, any information collected by surgical device  100  or stored in surgical device  100  may be displayed on at least one of displays  157   a - 157   d.    
         [0061]    By way of example only, displays  157   a - 157   d  of battery  156  may display potential failures of surgical device  100 , adapter  200  and/or end effector  300 , and provide procedural steps for resolving these potential issues; may display, to an end user or sales representative, autoclaving or end of life counts for surgical device  100 , adapter  200  and/or end effector  300 ; and/or may display features of the internal software EEProm; may display battery life. 
         [0062]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , distal half-section  110   a  of upper housing portion  108  defines a nose or connecting portion  108   a . A nose cone  114  is supported on nose portion  108   a  of upper housing portion  108 . Nose cone  114  is fabricated from a transparent material. An illumination member  116  is disposed within nose cone  114  such that illumination member  116  is visible therethrough. Illumination member  116  is in the form of a light emitting diode printed circuit board (LED PCB). Illumination member  116  is configured to illuminate multiple colors with a specific color pattern being associated with a unique discrete event. 
         [0063]    Upper housing portion  108  of handle housing  102  provides a housing in which drive mechanism  160  is situated. Drive mechanism  160  is configured to drive shafts and/or gear components in order to perform the various operations of surgical device  100 . In particular, drive mechanism  160  is configured to drive shafts and/or gear components in order to selectively move tool assembly  304  of end effector  300  (see  FIG. 1 ) relative to proximal body portion  302  of end effector  300 , to rotate end effector  300  about a longitudinal axis “X” (see  FIG. 3 ) relative to handle housing  102 , to move anvil assembly  306  relative to cartridge assembly  308  of end effector  300 , and/or to fire a stapling and cutting cartridge within cartridge assembly  308  of end effector  300 . 
         [0064]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , and as mentioned above, distal half-section  110   a  of upper housing portion  108  defines a connecting portion  108   a  configured to accept a corresponding drive coupling assembly  210  of adapter  200 . 
         [0065]    When adapter  200  is mated to surgical device  100 , rotatable drive connectors (not shown) of surgical device  100  couple with a corresponding rotatable connector sleeve (not shown) of adapter  200 . In this regard, the interface between corresponding drive connectors and connector sleeves are keyed such that rotation of each of drive connector of surgical device  100  causes a corresponding rotation of the corresponding connector sleeve of adapter  200 . 
         [0066]    The mating of the drive connectors of surgical device  100  with connector sleeves of adapter  200  allows rotational forces to be independently transmitted via each of the respective connector interfaces. The drive connectors of surgical device  100  are configured to be independently rotated by drive mechanism  160 . Since each of the drive connectors of surgical device  100  has a keyed and/or substantially non-rotatable interface with the respective connector sleeves of adapter  200 , when adapter  200  is coupled to surgical device  100 , rotational force(s) are selectively transferred from drive mechanism  160  of surgical device  100  to adapter  200 . 
         [0067]    The selective rotation of the drive connector(s) of surgical device  100  allows surgical device  100  to selectively actuate different functions of end effector  300 . Selective and independent rotation of a first drive connector of surgical device  100  may correspond to the selective and independent opening and closing of tool assembly  304  of end effector  300 , and a driving of a stapling/cutting component of tool assembly  304  of end effector  300 . Also, the selective and independent rotation of a second drive connector of surgical device  100  may correspond to the selective and independent articulation of tool assembly  304  of end effector  300  transverse to longitudinal axis “X” (see  FIG. 3 ). Additionally, the selective and independent rotation of a third drive connector of surgical device  100  may correspond to the selective and independent rotation of end effector  300  about longitudinal axis “X” (see  FIG. 3 ) relative to handle housing  102  of surgical device  100 . 
         [0068]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the end effector is designated as  300 . End effector  300  is configured and dimensioned for endoscopic insertion through a cannula, trocar or the like. In particular, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , end effector  300  may pass through a cannula or trocar when end effector  300  is in a closed condition. End effector  300  includes a proximal body portion  302  and a tool assembly  304 . Proximal body portion  302  is releasably attached to a distal coupling  230  of adapter  200  and tool assembly  304  is pivotally attached to a distal end of proximal body portion  302 . Tool assembly  304  includes an anvil assembly  306  and a cartridge assembly  308 . Cartridge assembly  308  is pivotal in relation to anvil assembly  306  and is movable between an open or unclamped position and a closed or clamped position for insertion through a cannula of a trocar. 
         [0069]    Reference may be made to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/484,975, filed on May 31, 2012, entitled “HANDHELD SURGICAL HANDLE ASSEMBLY, SURGICAL ADAPTERS FOR USE BETWEEN SURGICAL HANDLE ASSEMBLY AND SURGICAL END EFFECTORS, AND METHODS OF USE”, for a detailed discussion of the construction and operation of surgical device  100 . 
         [0070]    Reference may be made to U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0314821, filed on Aug. 31, 2009, entitled “TOOL ASSEMBLY FOR A SURGICAL STAPLING DEVICE”, for a detailed discussion of the construction and operation of end effector  300 . 
         [0071]    It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments of the presently disclosed adapter assemblies. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.