Patent Publication Number: US-2021177419-A1

Title: Surgical instrument kits for sequencing user operations

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/949,007, filed on Dec. 17, 2019, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to kits for powered surgical instruments, and in particular, powered surgical instrument kits that cause a powered surgical instrument to perform a homing initiating procedure prior to use of the powered surgical instrument. 
     BACKGROUND 
     During laparoscopic or endoscopic surgical procedures, access to a surgical site is typically achieved through a small incision or through a narrow cannula inserted through a small entrance wound in a patient. Because of limited area to access the surgical site, many endoscopic surgical devices include mechanisms for articulating or rotating the tool assembly or the end effector of the device. 
     In surgical instruments that are used to apply tacks or anchors having helical threads, for example, an additional challenge exists when attempting to rotate the end effector, as the tacks are also configured to rotate through the end effector, through a surgical mesh, and into tissue, for instance. Some tack-applying surgical instruments include the ability for its end effector to articulate and rotate, while also limiting the overall amount of rotation to prevent the premature ejection of tacks and to prevent timing issues when attempting to eject tacks. 
     Some surgical instruments include a reusable handle that is usable with an attachable component, such as a tack cartridge that houses tacks. In such multi-component configurations, proper alignment of the interconnecting components ensures proper operation of the surgical instrument. 
     SUMMARY 
     The disclosure relates to a kit for a powered surgical instrument. The kit includes a powered surgical instrument, a blister pack housing the powered surgical instrument, a component packaging housing an end effector configured to attach to the powered surgical instrument, and a non-conductive pull-tab connected to the powered surgical instrument and the component packaging. The powered surgical instrument includes a motor and a power source configured to power the motor and is configured to perform a homing initiation procedure upon a powering on thereof. The non-conductive pull-tab includes a proximal end electrically separating the motor of the powered surgical instrument from the power source configured to power the motor and a distal end coupled to a portion of the component packaging. The homing initiation procedure is commenced upon removal of the non-conductive pull-tab from between the motor and the power source to power on the powered surgical instrument. 
     In an aspect, the proximal end of the non-conductive pull-tab extends through a slit defined in a housing of the powered surgical instrument. The non-conductive pull-tab may be removably coupled to the powered surgical instrument and permanently coupled to the component packaging. In an aspect, the proximal end of the non-conductive pull-tab is disposed between a battery and a circuit coupled to the motor such that the non-conductive pull-tab prevents the formation of a circuit. Additionally, or alternatively, the distal end of the non-conductive pull-tab is coupled to the component packaging such that the end effector housed in the component packaging is incapable of being removed from the component packaging without removing the proximal end of the non-conductive pull-tab from the powered surgical instrument. 
     In an aspect, the powered surgical instrument is a tack applier. 
     In an aspect, the component packaging is positioned in the kit at least a distance from a distal end of the powered surgical instrument and a length of the non-conductive pull-tab is less than the distance such that the end effector housed in the component packaging is prevented from being able to be connected to the distal end of the powered surgical instrument without removing the proximal end of the non-conductive pull-tab from the powered surgical instrument. 
     In another aspect, a kit includes a powered surgical instrument, a blister pack housing the powered surgical instrument, a cover covering the blister pack and removable therefrom, and a non-conductive pull-tab connected to the powered surgical instrument and the cover. The powered surgical instrument includes a motor and a power source configured to power the motor and is configured to perform a homing initiation procedure upon a powering on thereof. The non-conductive pull-tab includes a proximal end electrically separating the motor of the powered surgical instrument from the power source configured to power the motor and a distal end coupled to a portion of the cover. The homing initiation procedure is commenced upon removal of the non-conductive pull-tab from between the motor and the power source to power on the powered surgical instrument. 
     In an aspect, the proximal end of the non-conductive pull-tab extends through a slit defined in a housing of the powered surgical instrument. The non-conductive pull-tab may be removably coupled to the powered surgical instrument and permanently coupled to the cover. In an aspect, the proximal end of the non-conductive pull-tab is disposed between a battery and a circuit coupled to the motor such that the non-conductive pull-tab prevents the formation of a circuit. Additionally, or alternatively, the distal end of the non-conductive pull-tab is coupled to the cover such that the powered surgical instrument is incapable of being separated from the cover without removing the proximal end of the non-conductive pull-tab from the powered surgical instrument. 
     In an aspect, the powered surgical instrument is a tack applier. 
     In another aspect, a kit includes a powered surgical instrument, a blister pack housing the powered surgical instrument, and a non-conductive pull-tab connected to the powered surgical instrument and the blister pack. The powered surgical instrument includes a motor and a power source configured to power the motor and is configured to perform a homing initiation procedure upon a powering on thereof. The non-conductive pull-tab includes a proximal end electrically separating the motor of the powered surgical instrument from the power source configured to power the motor and a distal end coupled to a portion of the blister pack. The homing initiation procedure is commenced upon removal of the non-conductive pull-tab from between the motor and the power source to power on the powered surgical instrument. 
     In an aspect, the proximal end of the non-conductive pull-tab extends through a slit defined in a housing of the powered surgical instrument. The non-conductive pull-tab may be removably coupled to the powered surgical instrument and permanently coupled to the blister pack. In an aspect, the proximal end of the non-conductive pull-tab is disposed between a battery and a circuit coupled to the motor such that the non-conductive pull-tab prevents the formation of a circuit. Additionally, or alternatively, the distal end of the non-conductive pull-tab is coupled to the blister pack such that the powered surgical instrument is incapable of being separated from the blister pack without removing the proximal end of the non-conductive pull-tab from the powered surgical instrument. 
     In an aspect, the powered surgical instrument is a tack applier. Additionally, or alternatively, the kit may include an end effector including a plurality of tacks configured to couple to the powered surgical instrument. 
     The details of one or more aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the techniques described in this disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       Various aspects of the disclosure are described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings, which are incorporated and constitute a part of this specification, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a handle assembly of a powered surgical tack applier in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial perspective view of an elongate member of the powered surgical tack applier; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial perspective view of a loading unit of the surgical tack applier of  FIG. 1 , illustrating a coil separated from an inner tube; 
         FIG. 4  is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of a distal end of the powered surgical tack applier, illustrating implanting of a surgical tack into underlying tissue through a surgical mesh; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a surgical mesh for use with the powered surgical tack applier of  FIG. 1 , illustrating anchoring the surgical mesh to underlying tissue with a plurality of surgical tacks; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the handle assembly of  FIG. 1  with a half of a housing removed; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of the handle assembly of  FIG. 1  with parts separated; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial side view of the handle assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial side view of the handle assembly of  FIG. 1  with a portion of the housing removed; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial perspective view of the handle assembly of  FIG. 1 , illustrating an actuation assembly; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a handle assembly for use with a powered surgical tack applier in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the handle assembly of  FIG. 11  with a half of the housing removed; 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of the handle assembly of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a powered surgical tack applier in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 15  is a kit of this disclosure for the powered surgical instrument of  FIGS. 1 and 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is another kit of this disclosure for the powered surgical instrument of  FIGS. 1 and 14 ; and 
         FIG. 17  is another kit of this disclosure for the powered surgical instrument of  FIGS. 1 and 14 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In electrically powered laparoscopic surgical devices, there often is a need to perform a homing routine before a user operates the device. Prior to use, there may also be an operation where a user needs to add a consumable component/subassembly to the device prior to use, for example, a reload loading unit that is attachable to the shaft of the instrument. In such instances, the proper sequencing of events can help ensure the proper operation of the instrument and the firing of the components from the reload. For instance, if a reload is attached prior to homing, the device may not deliver the correct output or may be entirely inoperable. 
     Although homing routines are typically performed on the surgical devices prior to their packaging and shipment, it is possible that components of the device may move during shipment or handling of the packaged device. In such instances, the device would benefit from an additional homing routine prior to use. Users may not be aware of whether movement of components occurred during shipment and handling of the packed device, and therefore may not perform a homing routine on the device before operation thereof. 
     The packaging solutions (also referred to as kits), described herein solve the above-noted problem. In particular, the present packaging solutions prevent the operation of the device until a homing routine is performed. In battery powered laparoscopic surgical devices, a strip of non-conductive plastic may be used to separate the battery contacts from the positive and/or negative terminals of the battery. This breaks the circuit and insures the device is stable throughout its shelf life. As described in greater detail below, sizing of the non-conductive strip and placement relative to the surgical device and other components of a kit address the above-identified problems in that the connectable component is incapable of being connected to the surgical device until the homing routine is performed. In an aspect, the length of the plastic strip is substantially shorter than the distance required to install the reload. This forces the user to pull the strip, powering the device and allowing the homing routine to auto start prior to being able to install the reload on the device. 
     Embodiments of the presently disclosed kits 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 endoscopic surgical device that is farther from the user, while the term “proximal” refers to that portion of the endoscopic surgical device that is closer to the user. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , a handle assembly for use with a powered surgical instrument  100 , for example a powered surgical tack applier for applying a surgical tack  10  suitable for insertion through a surgical mesh “M” and tissue “T” is shown generally as a handle assembly  200 . The surgical tack applier generally includes the handle assembly  200 , an elongate member  50  having an articulation portion  60 , and a loading unit  30  selectably connectable to a distal end of the elongate member  50 . The loading unit  30  is electro-mechanically coupled to the handle assembly  200  and supports a plurality of surgical tacks  10 . 
     The loading unit  30  includes an outer tube  32  defining a lumen (not shown), a spiral or coil  36  fixedly disposed within the outer tube  32 , and an inner tube  38  rotatably disposed within the coil  36 . The inner tube  38  defines a lumen therethrough, and includes a first portion  38   a  and a splined second portion  38   b . The second portion  38   b  of the inner tube  38  is slotted, defining a pair of tines  38   b   1  and a pair of channels  38   b   2 . The second portion  38   b  of the inner tube  38  is configured to support the plurality of surgical tacks  10  within the inner tube  38 . In particular, the surgical tacks  10  are loaded into the loading unit  30  such that the pair of opposing threaded sections  112   a  of the surgical tacks  10  extend through respective channels  38   b   2  of the second portion  38   b  of the inner tube  38  and are slidably disposed within the groove of the coil  36 , and the pair of tines  38   b   1  of the second portion  38   b  of the inner tube  38  are disposed within the pair of slotted sections  116   a  of the surgical tack  10 . In use, as the inner tube  38  is rotated about a longitudinal axis “X-X” thereof, relative to the coil  36 , the pair of tines  38   b   1  of the inner tube  38  transmits the rotation to the surgical tacks  10  and advances the surgical tacks  10  distally as the head threads  114   a  of the surgical tacks  10  engage with the coil  36 . 
     With particular respect to  FIG. 2 , the surgical tack applier includes an articulation portion  60  operatively coupled with an articulation lever assembly  300  ( FIG. 6 ) supported in the handle assembly  200 . The articulation portion  60  may include a drive assembly (not shown) having a slidable tube and an articulation arm pivotally coupled to the slidable tube. The articulation lever assembly  300  is coupled to the slidable tube so that when the articulation lever assembly  300  is actuated the slidable tube is displaced through the elongated member  50 . Longitudinal translation of the slidable tube moves the articulation arm to enable the loading unit  30  to articulate relative to the longitudinal axis “X-X” ( FIG. 3 ). 
     With reference now to  FIG. 6 , the handle assembly  200  includes a housing  202 , an articulation lever assembly  300  configured to articulate the articulation portion  60  ( FIG. 2 ) of the elongate member  50 , an actuation assembly  400  configured to eject the surgical tack  10  out of the loading unit  30  of the elongate member  50 , and a battery pack  440  removably attached to the housing  202 . The housing  202  includes an ergonomic structure providing comfort, ease of use, and intuitiveness such that when the housing  202  is gripped by a clinician, e.g., a thumb, may be positioned to slide the articulation lever assembly  300  and, e.g., an index finger, may be positioned to trigger an actuation switch  404  of the actuation assembly  400 . Actuation of the actuation assembly  400  ejects a surgical tack  10  ( FIG. 4 ) out of the loading unit  30  through mesh “M” ( FIG. 4 ) and into body tissue “T”. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the articulation lever assembly  300  includes an articulation rod  310  and articulation lever  360  operatively coupled with the articulation rod  310 . The articulation rod  310  is operatively coupled with the articulation portion  60  ( FIG. 2 ) of the elongate member  50  of the surgical tack applier. The articulation rod  310  is slidably supported on the housing  202  of the handle assembly  200  by a mounting plate  312  defining a channel  304  ( FIG. 8 ) configured to enable axial displacement of the articulation rod  310  therethrough, which, causes articulation of the articulation portion  60  ( FIG. 2 ) based on the axial position of the articulation rod  310 . In particular, the articulation rod  310  has an annular structure defining a channel  317  ( FIG. 8 ) dimensioned to receive the actuation rod  402  of the actuation assembly  400  therein. The articulation rod  310  further defines a transverse bore  314  dimensioned to receive an articulation drive pin  316  coupled with the articulation lever  360 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the articulation lever  360  includes a housing portion  362  and an engaging portion  364  slidably engaging an engaging surface  204  of the housing  202 . The engaging surface  204  has an arcuate profile enabling the engaging portion  364  to travel in, e.g., an arc. The housing portion  362  is disposed within the housing  202  and is dimensioned to receive articulation pivot arms  366   a ,  366   b  mated together to receive a biasing member  368  therebetween. Each articulation pivot arm  366   a ,  366   b  defines a first bore  370   a ,  370   b , a second bore  372   a ,  372   b , and a slot  374   a ,  374   b . The first bores  370   a ,  370   b  are dimensioned to receive an articulation pivot pin  378  ( FIG. 8 ) pivotably coupling the articulation pivot arms  366   a ,  366   b  to the housing  202 . The second bores  372   a ,  372   b  are dimensioned to receive the articulation drive pin  316  extending through the transverse bore  314  of the articulation rod  310 . Under such a configuration, when the articulation pivot arms  366   a ,  366   b  are pivoted about the articulation pivot pin  378 , the articulation drive pin  316  causes axial displacement of the articulation rod  310 . The articulation drive pin  316  defines a transverse bore  380  dimensioned to receive the actuation rod  402  of the actuation assembly  400  therethrough. The slots  374   a ,  374   b  of the articulation pivot arms  366   a ,  366   b  are dimensioned to cammingly receive a cam pin  384  biased away from the articulation pivot pin  378  by a biasing member  368  interposed between the articulation pivot arms  366   a ,  366   b.    
     With reference now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the housing portion  362  of the articulation lever  360  is dimensioned to receive the mated articulation pivot arms  366   a ,  366   b . The housing portion  362  defines a slot  363  dimensioned to cammingly receive the cam pin  384  which is cammingly slidable in the slots  374   a ,  374   b  of the articulation pivot arms  366   a ,  366   b . In addition, the housing portion  362  includes a tooth  367  configured to engage a detent portion  208  of the housing  202  to inhibit movement of the articulation lever  360  relative to the housing  202 , thereby locking an axial position of the articulation rod  310 , which, in turn, locks the orientation of the articulation portion  60  ( FIG. 2 ) of the surgical tack applier. Under such a configuration, the articulation lever  360  is biased away from the articulation pivot pin  378  such that the tooth  367  of the housing portion  362  engages the detent portion  208 . When the engaging portion  364  of the articulation lever  360  is depressed towards the housing  202 , the tooth  367  is moved away from the detent portion  208  enabling the clinician to slidably move the engaging portion  364  on the engaging surface  204  ( FIG. 6 ) of the housing  202 , thereby enabling articulation of the articulation portion  60  of the surgical tack applier to a desired orientation. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 9  the articulation lever assembly  300  further includes a cam wedge  350  having first, second, and third portions  350   a ,  350   b ,  350   c  configured to cammingly engage the cam pin  384  which is cammingly slidable in the slots  374   a ,  374   b  of the articulation pivot arms  366   a ,  366   b  and the slot  363  of the articulation lever  360 . The first, second, and third portions  350   a ,  350   b ,  350   c  correspond to the respective detent sections  208   a ,  208   b ,  208   c  of the detent portion  208 . In this manner, articulation backlash is reduced as the cam pin  384  rides along the first, second, and third portions  350   a ,  350   b ,  350   c  of the cam wedge  350 . 
     With reference back to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the actuation assembly  400  includes an actuation rod  402  operatively coupled with the loading unit  30  ( FIG. 2 ) of the surgical tack applier, a motor  420 , an actuation switch  404  configured to actuate the motor  420  to eject the surgical tacks  10  ( FIG. 4 ), a printed circuit board  430  including a microprocessor (not shown) to control the actuation assembly  400 , and a battery pack  440  removably attached to the housing  202  and electrically connected to the motor  420  and the printed circuit board  430 . A proximal end of the actuation rod  402  is operatively coupled with an output shaft of the motor  420  for concomitant rotation therewith such that when the actuation switch  404  is triggered by the clinician, the motor  420  is actuated to impart axial rotation to the actuation rod  402 . A distal end of the actuation rod  402  is operatively coupled with the inner tube  38  ( FIG. 3 ) of the loading unit  30  for concomitant rotation therewith. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 10 , the actuation assembly  400  may further include an encoder assembly  410  operatively connected to the actuation rod  402  and the processor of the printed circuit board  430 . The encoder assembly  410  may include, e.g., an optical, motor encoder  405  configured to keep an accurate count of turns of the motor output shaft or the actuation rod  402  to ensure a proper number of turns are made to insert the surgical tack  10  through, e.g., the mesh “M”, and into tissue “T” ( FIG. 4 ). In addition, the encoder assembly  410  may further include, e.g., a single notched, encoder wheel  407  configured to ensure correct clocking of a distal end of the actuation rod  402  relative to the loading unit  30  ( FIG. 2 ). The encoder assembly  410  may further include a light emitting diode (“LED”) indicator  409  to indicate status of the ejection of each surgical tack  10 . For example, a green light may indicate proper application of the surgical tack  10  through the mesh “M” and into tissue “T”, and a red light may indicate, e.g., improper application of the surgical tack  10 , due to an error signal from the optical motor encoder  405  or the single notched encoder wheel  407 . Alternatively, the encoder assembly  410  may further include a piezoelectric element  411  ( FIG. 6 ) for providing an audible tone for proper application of the surgical tack  10 . 
     With brief reference to  FIG. 6 , the handle assembly  200  may further include a release lever  450  slidably attached to the housing  202 . The release lever  450  is operatively coupled with the loading unit  30  ( FIG. 2 ) such that when the release lever  450  is pulled, the loading unit  30  is detached from the elongate member  50  ( FIG. 2 ) of the surgical tack applier. 
     In use, the loading unit  30  is operatively mounted to a distal end of the elongate member  50 . The loading unit  30  is introduced into a target surgical site while in the non-articulated condition. The clinician may remotely articulate loading unit  30  relative the longitudinal axis “X-X” to access the surgical site. Specifically, the clinician may slide the engaging portion  364  of the articulation lever  360  along the engaging surface  204  of the housing  202 . As the articulation rod  310  is displaced axially, the loading unit  30  is moved to an articulated orientation relative to the central longitudinal axis “X-X”. Furthermore, the clinician may position the surgical mesh “M” adjacent the surgical site. Once the surgical mesh “M” is properly positioned on the surgical site, the clinician may trigger the actuation switch  404  to eject a surgical tack  10  through the mesh “M” and into tissue “T”. While the articulation rod  310  is configured for axial displacement, it is further contemplated that an actuation rod  1310  may be rotatably supported by a rotor  1370  such that the actuation rod  1310  outputs an axial rotation which may be utilized by the loading unit  30  to effect articulation thereof, as can be appreciated with reference to  FIGS. 11-13 . It is further contemplated that the actuation assembly  400  may further include a transmission assembly to selectively impart rotation of the output shaft of the motor  420  to the actuation rod  1310 . 
       FIG. 14  illustrates another powered surgical instrument, for example a powered surgical tack applier, shown as powered surgical instrument  1400 . Powered surgical instrument  1400  includes similar electronic components as powered surgical instrument  100 , and includes similar detachable loading units, and will not be described in further detail for brevity. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , a kit  1500  of this disclosure includes a powered surgical instrument  1400  housed within a blister pack  1507  along with a component packaging  1505 . The powered surgical instrument  1400  includes a motor (e.g., motor  420  illustrated in  FIG. 7 ) and is configured to perform a homing initiation procedure upon powering on. The component packaging  1505  houses a component that is configured to attach to a distal end  1401   b  of the powered surgical instrument  1400 , for example a loading unit  30  ( FIG. 2 ). A non-conductive pull-tab  1503  is connected to the powered surgical instrument  1400  and the component packaging  1505 . The non-conductive pull-tab  1503  includes a proximal end  1503   a  electrically separating the motor (not shown) of the powered surgical instrument  1400  from a power source (e.g., battery) configured to power the motor and a distal end  1503   b  coupled to a portion of the component packaging  1505 . In an aspect, the non-conductive pull-tab  1503  electrically separates a power source (e.g., battery) from circuitry including a processor coupled to a motor (not shown) when in the initial, packaged, position. For example, the non-conductive pull-tab  1503  may be electrically isolating a power source (e.g., battery) or leads connected to a power source from control circuitry coupled to, and configured to control, a motor (not shown). In such a case, when the non-conductive pull-tab  1503  is removed from the powered surgical instrument  1400 , the control circuit becomes energized by the power source (e.g., battery) and the processor of the control circuitry performs a homing initiation procedure on the motor to ensure proper position and orientation thereof. 
     The non-conductive pull-tab  1503  is removably coupled to the powered surgical instrument  1400  and permanently coupled to the component packaging  1505 . Specifically, the proximal end  1503   a  of the non-conductive pull-tab  1503  extends through a slit  1401   a  defined in a housing of the powered surgical instrument  1400  and is disposed between a battery and a circuit coupled to the motor such that the non-conductive pull-tab  1503  prevents the formation of a circuit within the electronic components of the powered surgical instrument  1400 . With this configuration, removal of the non-conductive pull-tab  1503  from the powered surgical instrument  1400  causes the powered surgical instrument  1400  to perform a homing initiation procedure to calibrate the position of the motor and gears connected to the motor. 
     The distal end  1503   b  of the non-conductive pull-tab  1503  is coupled to the component packaging  1505  such that the component (e.g., loading unit  30 ,  FIG. 2 ) housed in the component packaging  1505  is incapable of being removed from the component packaging  1505 , and incapable of being attached to the powered surgical instrument  1400 , without removing the proximal end  1503   a  of the non-conductive pull-tab  1503  from the powered surgical instrument  1400 . 
     With this configuration, a user is prevented from connecting the component housed in the component packaging  1505  unless the non-conductive pull-tab  1503  is removed from the powered surgical instrument  1400 , thereby initiating the homing initiation procedure, and in particular, forces a sequence of operations to take place in a specific order that ensures that the attachable component (e.g., loading unit  30 ,  FIG. 2 ) can be attached to the powered surgical instrument  1400  only after the homing initiation procedure is performed. In particular, the component packaging  1505  is positioned in the kit  1500  at least a distance “D” from a distal end  1401   b  of the powered surgical instrument  1400  and a length “L” of the non-conductive pull-tab  1503  is less than the distance “D” such that the component housed in the component packaging  1505  is prevented from being able to be connected to the distal end  1401   b  of the powered surgical instrument  1400  without removing the proximal end  1503   a  of the non-conductive pull-tab  1503  from the powered surgical instrument  1400 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates another kit  1600  which includes a powered surgical instrument  1400  housed within a blister pack  1607  and enclosed by a cover  1605  covering the blister pack  1607 . The cover  1605  is peelable from the blister pack  1607  to access the powered surgical instrument  1400  from the blister pack  1607 . In kit  1600 , a non-conductive pull-tab  1603  is connected to the powered surgical instrument  1400  and the cover  1605 . The non-conductive pull-tab  1603  includes a proximal end  1603   a  electrically separating the motor of the powered surgical instrument  1400  with a power source configured to power the motor and a distal end  1603   b  coupled to a portion of the cover  1605 . 
     The non-conductive pull-tab  1603  is removably coupled to the powered surgical instrument  1400  and permanently coupled to the cover  1605 . The proximal end  1603   a  of the non-conductive pull-tab  1603  extends through a slit  1401   a  defined in a housing of the powered surgical instrument  1400 . In particular, the proximal end  1603   a  of the non-conductive pull-tab  1603  is disposed between a battery and a circuit coupled to the motor such that the non-conductive pull-tab  1603  prevents the formation of a circuit. As described above with respect to non-conductive pull-tab  1503  ( FIG. 15 ), in an aspect, the non-conductive pull-tab  1603  electrically separates a power source (e.g., battery) from circuitry including a processor coupled to a motor (not shown) when in the initial, packaged, position. For example, the non-conductive pull-tab  1603  may be electrically isolating a power source (e.g., battery) or leads connected to a power source from control circuitry coupled to, and configured to control, a motor (not shown). In such a case, when the non-conductive pull-tab  1603  is removed from the powered surgical instrument  1400 , the control circuit becomes energized by the power source (e.g., battery) and the processor of the control circuitry performs a homing initiation procedure on the motor to ensure proper position and orientation thereof. 
     The distal end  1603   b  of the non-conductive pull-tab  1603  is coupled to the cover  1605  such that the powered surgical instrument  1400  is incapable of being separated from the cover  1605  without removing the proximal end  1603   a  of the non-conductive pull-tab  1603  from the powered surgical instrument  1400 . Removal of the non-conductive pull-tab  1603  from the powered surgical instrument  1400  causes the powered surgical instrument  1400  to perform a homing initiation procedure to calibrate the position of the motor and the gears connected to the motor. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates another kit  1700  which includes a powered surgical instrument  1400  housed within a blister pack  1707 . In kit  1700 , a non-conductive pull-tab  1703  is connected to the powered surgical instrument  1400  and the blister pack  1707  or other sterilization pouches, for example a pouch or parts thereof that may be breathable or non-breathable. Thus, although the term “blister pack” is used herein, it is understood that blister pack  1707  may include a preformed rigid material, a preformed non-rigid material, other sterilization pouches whether preformed or not preformed, or combinations thereof. The non-conductive pull-tab  1703  includes a proximal end  1703   a  electrically separating the motor of the powered surgical instrument  1400  with a power source configured to power the motor and a distal end  1703   b  coupled to a portion of the blister pack  1707 . 
     As described above with respect to non-conductive pull-tab  1503  ( FIG. 15 ) and non-conductive pull-tab  1603  ( FIG. 16 ), in an aspect, the non-conductive pull-tab  1703  electrically separates a power source (e.g., battery) from circuitry including a processor coupled to a motor (not shown) when in the initial, packaged, position. For example, the non-conductive pull-tab  1703  may be electrically isolating a power source (e.g., battery) or leads connected to a power source from control circuitry coupled to, and configured to control, a motor (not shown). In such a case, when the non-conductive pull-tab  1703  is removed from the powered surgical instrument  1400 , the control circuit becomes energized by the power source (e.g., battery) and the processor of the control circuitry performs a homing initiation procedure on the motor to ensure proper position and orientation thereof. 
     The non-conductive pull-tab  1703  is removably coupled to the powered surgical instrument  1400  and permanently coupled to the blister pack  1707 . The proximal end  1703   a  of the non-conductive pull-tab  1703  extends through a slit  1401   a  defined in a housing of the powered surgical instrument  1400  and is disposed between a battery and a circuit coupled to the motor such that the non-conductive pull-tab  1703  prevents the formation of a circuit. The distal end  1703   b  of the non-conductive pull-tab  1703  is coupled to the blister pack  1707  such that the powered surgical instrument  1400  is incapable of being separated from the blister pack  1707  without removing the proximal end  1703   a  of the non-conductive pull-tab  1703  from the powered surgical instrument  1400 . Removal of the non-conductive pull-tab  1703  from the powered surgical instrument  1400  causes the powered surgical instrument  1400  to perform a homing initiation procedure to calibrate the position of the motor and the gears connected to the motor. 
     The packaging configurations, also described as kits, described above for the performance of a homing initiation procedure for the components of a powered surgical instrument prior to its use, and in particular, prior to the connection of a loading unit to the powered surgical instrument. Such a forced sequencing of user operations ensures the safe and proper operation of the instruments being used. 
     It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended thereto. 
     It should be understood that various aspects disclosed herein may be combined in different combinations than the combinations specifically presented in the description and accompanying drawings. It should also be understood that, depending on the example, certain acts or events of any of the processes or methods described herein may be performed in a different sequence, may be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g., all described acts or events may not be necessary to carry out the techniques). In addition, while certain aspects of this disclosure are described as being performed by a single module or unit for purposes of clarity, it should be understood that the techniques of this disclosure may be performed by a combination of units or modules associated with, for example, a medical device. 
     In one or more examples, the described techniques may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium and executed by a hardware-based processing unit. Computer-readable media may include non-transitory computer-readable media, which corresponds to a tangible medium such as data storage media (e.g., RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer). 
     Instructions may be executed by one or more processors, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), general purpose microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable logic arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry. Accordingly, the term “processor” as used herein may refer to any of the foregoing structure or any other physical structure suitable for implementation of the described techniques. Also, the techniques could be fully implemented in one or more circuits or logic elements.