Patent Publication Number: US-2020297441-A1

Title: Surgical devices and methods for collecting sterilization data

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Robotically-assisted surgery is increasingly being used in minimally invasive medical procedures. Some robotic surgical systems include a console supporting a surgical robotic arm and a robotic surgical instrument mounted to the robotic arm. The robotic surgical instrument may have an elongated shaft that supports at least one end effector (e.g., forceps or a grasping tool) on a distal end thereof. 
     After each use, the robotic surgical instrument is disposed of, reused, or partially disposed of and partially reused. Any part of a surgical instrument that is reused must be cleaned or sterilized to neutralize potentially infectious agents before being reused. Sterilization devices (e.g., pressure chambers, autoclaves, etc., or combinations thereof) are used to sterilize reusable surgical instruments. Typically, the surgical instrument is placed in the sterilization device for a period of time during which it is exposed to some form of energy (e.g., heat, light, kinetic, pressure, etc., or combinations thereof) in order to remove the infectious agents from the surgical instrument. However, repeated exposure of the surgical instrument to the sterilization device can degrade or deteriorate electrical and mechanical components within the housing of the surgical instrument. In many situations, it is difficult to determine how many times a particular surgical instrument has been sterilized. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for a surgical instrument capable of determining and recording sterilization data during a sterilization procedure. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates to surgical devices configured to be powered by and operate during a sterilization procedure to record sterilization data. 
     According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical device is provided, including an energy harvesting device configured to harvest energy from a sterilization device to provide power to at least one of a sensor and a computing device. The sensor is configured to measure an energy output applied to the surgical device by a sterilization device. The computing device includes a processor and/or logic circuit and a non-volatile memory and may be configured to determine when a threshold energy output applied to the surgical device is met and to store in the memory an amount of times the threshold energy output applied to the surgical device is met. 
     In embodiments, when the threshold energy output applied to the surgical device is met, the computing device counts and the memory records a completed sterilization cycle. 
     In some embodiments, the computing device may be configured to determine when the surgical device requires servicing based on a number of completed sterilization cycles. 
     In certain embodiments, the energy harvesting device may be a thermoelectric generator configured to receive a concentration of thermal energy from a sterilization device. The thermoelectric generator may be configured to convert a concentration of thermal energy into electrical energy to power the surgical device. 
     In embodiments, the sensor may be a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of an outer surface or the differential temperature between the inner and outer surfaces of the surgical device. 
     In some embodiments, the temperature sensor may be operatively coupled to the computing device. The computing device may be configured to detect a threshold temperature necessary to sterilize the surgical device. 
     In certain embodiments, when the computing device detects a threshold temperature, the computing device counts and the memory records a completed sterilization cycle. 
     In embodiments, the surgical device may include a display configured for displaying at least one output of the computing device. 
     In some embodiments, the surgical device may include an energy storage device configured to store the harvested energy from the energy harvesting device. 
     In certain embodiments, the energy storage device may be a capacitor. 
     In embodiments, the surgical device may include an amplifier operatively connected to the energy harvesting device. The amplifier may be configured to condition the power (e.g., to increase the output voltage) of the harvested energy from the energy harvesting device. 
     In some embodiments, the energy harvesting device may include a photovoltaic cell configured to convert light energy from a sterilization device into electrical energy to power the surgical device. 
     In certain embodiments, the energy harvesting device may include a piezoelectric transducer configured to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy to power the surgical device. 
     In embodiments, the surgical device may include a data interface device configured to interface with an external device. The data interface device may be configured to upload data from the computing device onto the external device and to download data from the external device onto the computing device. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operation of a surgical instrument during sterilization is provided, including placing a surgical instrument in a sterilization device. The surgical instrument includes an energy harvesting device configured to harvest energy from a sterilization device, a sensor configured to measure an energy output applied to the surgical device by a sterilization device, and a computing device including a processor and/or logic circuit, and a memory. The method also includes powering the sensor and the computing device using the harvested energy from the energy harvesting device, determining, with the computing device and the sensor, when a threshold energy output applied to the surgical device is met, and storing in the memory an amount of times that the threshold energy output applied to the surgical device is met. 
     In embodiments, the method may include counting, with the computing device, a completed sterilization cycle when a threshold energy output is applied to the surgical device. 
     In some embodiments, the method may include disabling the surgical device with the computing device when a threshold number of completed sterilization cycles is met. 
     In certain embodiments, the method may include storing the harvested energy from the energy harvesting device with an energy storage device. 
     In embodiments, the method may include displaying on a display device at least one output of the computing device. 
     In some embodiments, the method may include conditioning the harvested energy from the energy harvesting device with an amplifier. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present surgical devices are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a robotic surgical system in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a surgical assembly of the robotic surgical system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a surgical instrument of the surgical assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of a circuit board of the surgical instrument of  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; and 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart depicting operation of the surgical instrument of  FIGS. 2 and 3  during a sterilization procedure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present surgical devices will now be 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 “clinician” refers to a doctor, nurse, or other care provider and may include support personnel. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. As used herein, the term “distal,” as is conventional, will refer to that portion of the instrument, apparatus, device or component thereof which is closer to farther the patient while, the term “proximal,” will refer to that portion of the instrument, apparatus, device or component thereof which is further from the patient. 
     The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments. Specifically, the present disclosure is directed to a surgical instrument configured to harvest energy from a sterilization device. The harvested energy from the sterilization device is used to power the surgical instrument while the surgical instrument is in the sterilization device to collect sterilization data. The surgical instrument then stores the sterilization data in memory. The stored sterilization data can be used to notify a user if the surgical instrument and/or parts thereof are fit for continued use, need replacement, and/or should be discarded or completely disable the instrument when all uses have expired. 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , a robotic surgical system, such as, for example, medical work station  1 , generally includes a plurality of robot arms  2  and  3 , a control device  4 , and an operating console  5  coupled with control device  4 . Operating console  5  includes a display device  6  configured to display three-dimensional images, and manual input devices  7  and  8 , a clinician can use to telemanipulate (not shown) robot arms  2  and  3  in a first operating mode, as known in principle to a person skilled in the art. 
     Each of the robot arms  2  and  3  includes a plurality of members, which are connected through joints, and which may be releasably attached to a surgical assembly  10 . Robot arms  2  and  3  may be driven by electric drives (not shown) that are connected to control device  4 . Control device  4  (e.g., a computer) is set up to activate the drives (e.g., using a computer program) and execute a desired movement of robot arms  2  and  3  and/or surgical assembly  10  according to a movement defined by means of manual input devices  7  and  8 . Control device  4  may be configured to regulate the movement of robot arms  2  and  3  and/or of the drives (not shown). Control device  4  may control a plurality of motors, e.g., “Motor  1  . . . n,” with each motor configured to drive movement of robotic arms  2  and  3  in a plurality of directions. 
     Medical work station  1  is configured for use on a patient “P” lying on a patient table “ST” to be treated in a minimally invasive manner by or with surgical instrument  100  of surgical assembly  10 . Medical work station  1  may include more than two robot arms  2  and  3 , the additional robot arms likewise being connected to control device  4  and being telemanipulatable by means of operating console  5 . A surgical assembly  10  may be attached to the additional robot arm. Medical work station  1  may include a database  9  operatively (e.g., directly and/or indirectly) coupled with control device  4 . Database  9  may store, e.g., pre-operative data from patient “P” and/or anatomical atlases. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , surgical assembly  10  is shown coupled with or to robotic arm  2  via a rail, track, or slide  12 . While surgical assembly  10  is discussed singularly, a person of ordinary skill in the art can readily appreciate that the medical work station  1  may also include a plurality of substantially identical surgical assemblies  10  coupled with or to each of the robotic arms  2  and  3  ( FIG. 1 ). Surgical assembly  10  includes an instrument drive unit  50  coupled to an adapter or instrument drive connector  70  of surgical instrument  100  having a surgical loading unit  80  including an end effector  90  disposed at a distal end thereof. 
     Instrument drive unit  50  of surgical assembly  10  may be supported on or connected to a slider  11  that is movably connected to a track  12  of robotic arm  2 . Slider  11  moves, slides, or translates along a longitudinal axis “Y” defined by track  12  of surgical robotic arm  2  upon a selective actuation by motors (not shown) disposed in track  12  of robotic arm  2  or motors (e.g., one or more of “Motor  1  . . . n”) of control device  4 . As such, slider  11 , with surgical assembly  10  connected thereto, can be moved to a selected position along track  12  of robotic arm  2 . 
     Instrument drive unit  50  includes a housing  60  having a proximal end  62  and a distal end  64  configured to be operably coupled to instrument drive connector  70  of surgical instrument  100 . Housing  60  of instrument drive unit  50  houses a plurality of motors (not shown) that are configured to power surgical instrument  100 , for example, to drive various operations of end effector  90  of surgical instrument  100 . Thus, in use, instrument drive unit  50  transfers power and actuation forces from the motors to instrument drive connector  70  of surgical instrument  100  to drive movement of end effector  90  of surgical instrument  100 . 
     Control device  4  ( FIG. 1 ) may control the motors of instrument drive unit  50 . In some embodiments, one or more motors may receive signals wirelessly (e.g., from control device  4 ). It is contemplated that control device  4  coordinates the activation of the various motors (“Motor  1  . . . n”), and the motors of instrument drive unit  50 , to coordinate an operation and/or movement of surgical instrument  100 . 
     Surgical loading unit  80  is selectively attachable to instrument drive connector  70  and includes an elongate portion  82  and an end effector  90 . Surgical loading unit  80  may be a single use loading unit that is disposable, or a multiple use loading unit that can be sterilized in a sterilization device for reuse. Elongate portion  82  of surgical loading unit  80  may have a proximal end  82   a  configured to be coupled to a distal cap  72  of an elongated shaft  74  of instrument drive connector  70 . Elongate portion  82  of surgical loading unit  80  has a distal end  82   b  having end effector  90  attached thereto. End effector  90  generally includes a pair of opposing jaw members  92   a  and  92   b,  and may include a staple cartridge, knife blade, among other fastening, cutting, clamping elements within the purview of those skilled in the art. It is contemplated that end effector  90  may be directly coupled to instrument drive connector  70  rather than be directly coupled to elongate portion  82  of surgical loading unit  80 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , instrument drive connector  70  of surgical instrument  100  includes a housing assembly  70   a  and elongated shaft  74  extending distally therefrom and terminating at distal cap  72 . Housing assembly  70   a  includes a proximal housing  75 , a bottom or distal housing  76 , a tip housing  77 , and a circuit board  150  disposed within housing assembly  70   a  for controlling various operations of surgical instrument  100 , as will be described in detail below. 
     For a detailed discussion of the construction and operation of a similar robotic surgical system having one or more of the same or similar components for use with one or more components of the presently described robotic surgical system, reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 8,828,023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     Reference may be made to commonly owned International Patent Application No. PCT/US14/61329, U.S. Pat. No. 8,636,192, or U.S. Pat. No. 8,925,786, the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein, for a detailed discussion of illustrative examples of the construction and operation of end effectors for use with, or connection to, the presently disclosed electromechanical surgical instruments. 
     As can be appreciated, surgical instruments are often reused from one procedure to the next. Any part of a surgical instrument that is reused must be sterilized to neutralize potentially infectious agents before being reused. Sterilization devices, e.g., pressure chambers, autoclaves, etc., or combinations thereof, are used in medical applications to sterilize surgical instruments. However, the repeated exposure to elevated temperatures, pressure, or other forms of energy emitted from the sterilization device may cause a surgical instrument or components thereof to malfunction or become inoperable. Thus, the usage of a surgical instrument may be limited by the number of times that the surgical instrument has been placed in a sterilization device for sterilization. 
     The surgical instrument  100  of the present disclosure is configured to provide a user with sterilization cycle data without a need for the user to independently keep track of sterilization data or to use external devices to keep track of sterilization data. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in an embodiment, for example, for energy harvesting, circuit board  150  of surgical instrument  100  generally includes a device configured to implement (or capable of implanting) a state machine such as a central processing unit (CPU) or logic circuit (hereinafter, “CPU”)  152 , a display  153  (optionally), an energy harvesting device  154  configured to provide power to CPU  152 , an amplifier  156  configured for conditioning the energy generated by the energy harvesting device  154 , an energy storage device  158  (optional) configured to store the harvested energy from the energy harvesting device  154 , and a sensor  160  for measuring the energy output of the sterilization device, as applied to the surgical instrument  100 . 
     In general, CPU  152  of circuit board  150  is configured to operate in conjunction with other components of surgical instrument  100  as described herein, to calculate and/or determine sterilization data, e.g., the number of times that that surgical instrument  100  has undergone sterilization in a sterilization device. Based on such sterilization data, CPU  152  is configured to determine whether surgical instrument  100 , and/or any parts/components thereof, need to be serviced, replaced, and/or discarded. CPU  152  may also be configured to perform a “self-destruct” operation to render surgical instrument  100 , and/or components thereof permanently inoperable, or unusable without voluntary user intervention. Specifically, if surgical instrument  100  has undergone a threshold limit or number of sterilization cycles, CPU  152  will automatically prohibit further use of surgical instrument  100 , or parts thereof, until certain components of surgical instrument  100  are replaced, serviced, disabled, or discarded. The threshold limit of the number of times that surgical instrument  100  or any part thereof can undergo a sterilization cycle may be pre-programmed into CPU  152 , or based on empirical or experimental data. 
     For example, after a threshold number of sterilization cycles have been performed on surgical instrument  100 , CPU  152  will indicate that a particular component of surgical instrument  100  requires servicing or replacement, or that surgical instrument  100  must be discarded. Specifically, CPU  152  may determine that surgical instrument  100  is no longer safely usable after undergoing a threshold number of sterilization cycles. CPU  152  will engage an auto lock to prevent surgical instrument  100  from being used. In embodiments, CPU  152  may be configured to determine a failure of surgical instrument  100  or any part thereof before the threshold limit of sterilization cycles is met. 
     In embodiments, CPU  152  of circuit board  150  may be any type of suitable processor or computer adapted to perform or execute techniques, operations, and/or instructions described herein. For example, the CPU  152  may be hardware processors programmed to perform the techniques described herein pursuant to the instructions in firmware, memory, or other storage, or a combination thereof. Similarly, CPU  152  may be one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLD) that are persistently programed to perform the techniques or operations described herein. CPU  152  may also be a digital signal process (DSP), a microprocessor, microcontroller, or any other device that incorporates hard wired logic or program logic or both to perform the operations or techniques described herein. 
     CPU  152  of circuit board  150  includes memory  152   a  which may be any type of hardware device used to store information from CPU  152  (e.g., sterilization data and service information), such as random access memory (RAM). The memory  152   a  may be non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) (e.g., programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and/or non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), etc., or combinations thereof). The memory may also be magnetic, optical, or electrical media. 
     A digital display  153  of surgical instrument  100  may be operatively (e.g., directly and/or indirectly) connected to CPU  152 . Digital display  153  may be any device configured to display at least one output of CPU  152 , e.g., sterilization data, service information, or an indication of a condition, as calculated and/or determined by CPU  152 . For example, digital display  153  may provide a user with a numerical representation of successfully performed sterilization cycles on surgical instrument  100 . Digital display  153  may provide a user with service information, such as indicating an imminent need to replace, service, or dispose of one or more parts/components of surgical instrument  100 , e.g., “Replace Part X,” “Service Part Y,” “Discard Part Z,” Discard Instrument B,” or the like. 
     The display  153  may be a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, one or more light emitting diodes, a luminescent display, a multi-color display, an analog display, a passive display, an active display, a “twisted nematic” display, a “super twisted nematic” display, a “dual scan” display, a reflective display, a backlit display, an alpha numeric display, a monochrome display, a “Low Temperature Polysilicon Thin Film Transistor” or LPTS TFT display, Organic LED (OLED) Display, machine-encapsulated electrophoretic display such as an E-Ink (electronic ink) Di splay (a microencapsulated electrophoretic display), or any other display  153  that indicates a parameter, information, or graphics related to service or sterilization data of the surgical instrument  100 . In certain embodiments, display  153  may include a mechanical indicator that is configured to provide any suitable audible, tactile, and/or visual output. 
     Surgical instrument  100  may include a data interface device  152   b  configured to interface with CPU  152  and/or an external device, e.g., a tablet, smart device, computer, etc., or combinations thereof. Data interface device  152   b  may be configured to download data from CPU  152  and/or memory  152   a  onto an external device. Additionally, data interface device  152   b  may be configured to upload data from an external device onto CPU  152  and/or memory  152   a  to change and/or update the programming of CPU  152  (e.g., firmware updates). Data interface device  152   b  may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector configured to interface with an external device using a USB cable. Additionally or alternatively, data interface device  152   b  may be configured to receive a USB flash media drive, an SD card, or other removable or non-removable storage medium to download/upload data from CPU  152  and/or memory  152   a.  Data interface device  152   b  may also include, and is not limited to, Ethernet, Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C), 1-Wire, or any other proprietary interface. 
     Energy harvesting device  154  may be any suitable device configured for deriving energy (e.g., light, thermal, kinetic, RF, pressure, etc., or combinations thereof) from a sterilization device (e.g., an autoclave) and using the energy from the sterilization device to activate or “power on” CPU  152  such that surgical instrument  100  can collect sterilization data during a sterilization procedure. Energy harvesting device  154  provides power to any or all components of circuit board  150  (e.g., CPU  152 , display  153 , storage device  158 , sensor  160 , etc., or combinations thereof). 
     For example, energy harvesting device  154  may be a thermoelectric or Seebeck generator  154   a  configured to convert thermal energy into electrical energy. Thermoelectric generator  154   a  may include P-Type and N-Type semiconductors disposed between two dissimilar materials, e.g., metals, ceramics, substrates, or the like. In use, as surgical instrument  100  receives a concentration of thermal energy from the sterilization device, a temperature differential is created between a hot side of thermoelectric generator  154   a  on an outer surface of surgical instrument  100  that is exposed directly to the heat generated by the sterilization device, and a cool side of thermoelectric generator  154   a  in/on an inner surface of the surgical instrument  100 . Thermoelectric generator  154   a  converts the thermal energy into electrical energy, or voltage, as a result of the temperature differential between each side of the thermoelectric generator  154   a,  and/or between the respective inner and outer surfaces of the surgical instrument  100 . 
     In some embodiments, implementation may be effectuated via a piezo-electric device such as a Peltier. For instance, rather than being used as an output transducer, the piezo-electric device is configured to determine a difference in temperature on the sides of the device to generate an electric potential. 
     In certain embodiments, the voltage can be approximated using the following formula, V=(S B −S A )×(T 2 −T 1 ), where V is the generated voltage, S A  and S B  are the respective Seebeck coefficients of the dissimilar materials used for thermoelectric generator  154   a,  and T 1  and T 2  are the respective temperatures of the relatively hot and cold sides of the thermoelectric generator  154   a  and/or the outer and inner surfaces of surgical instrument  100 . The voltage created by the thermoelectric generator  154   a  can be used to power the circuit board  150  and surgical instrument  100  for performing certain functions during a sterilization procedure in a sterilization device, as will be described herein below. 
     Additionally or alternatively, energy harvesting device  154  may include a photovoltaic or solar cell  154   b  configured to convert light energy into electrical energy. For example, when surgical instrument  100  is placed in a sterilization device that uses a light source to sterilize surgical instrument  100 , solar cell  154   b  of harvesting device  154  may be used to convert the light energy from the sterilization device into electrical energy to provide power to surgical instrument  100 . In embodiments, solar cell  154   b  may be formed from crystalline silicon, thin film, multijunction cells, or the like. 
     Additionally or alternatively, energy harvesting device  154  may include a piezoelectric transducer  154   c  (e.g., a Peltier) configured to convert kinetic energy (e.g., pressure, vibrations, movements, waves, sounds, temperature, etc., or combinations thereof) produced by a sterilization device into electrical energy to provide power to surgical instrument  100 . Piezoelectric transducer  154   c  may be formed from any suitable material including quartz, berlinite, sucrose, rochelle salt, topaz, tourmaline-group minerals, lead titanate, silk, wood, synthetic crystals, synthetic ceramics, lead-free piezoceramics, III-V and II-VI semiconductors, polymers, organic nanostructures, or the like. 
     An amplifier  156  of circuit board  150  may be configured to operate in conjunction or may be operatively (e.g., directly and/or indirectly) connected to energy harvesting device  154  to condition the voltage generated by energy harvesting device  154 . Amplifier  156  may be any type of amplifier, such as a transistor, vacuum-tube, magnetic, negative resistance, circuit, operational, differential, switched mode, etc., or combinations thereof. 
     In accordance with the present disclosure, the energy that is harvested is in Joules of energy, and the potential of this energy is measured in volts. The voltage is typically too low to power electronics. Accordingly, the voltage needs to be conditioned by an amplifier to amplify the voltage output. Specifically, for example, the energy harvester outputs the energy at  1 V and the electronics need 3V to operate. This would typically be done using a DC/DC converter, which could be considered a type of amplifier because it is boosting the voltage while the amount of energy stays the same. The output of this “amplifier” section is then at a higher potential (voltage) and powers the electronics. The amount of power used is determined by the voltage output of the “amplifier” multiplied by the current consumed by the electronics. 
     An energy storage device  158  of circuit board  150  may be configured to store the energy generated from energy harvesting device  154  to provide power to surgical instrument  100 , or components thereof. The energy storage device  158  may allow CPU  152  to operate for an extended period of time, e.g., to record data during an entire sterilization cycle in a sterilization device. Energy storage device  158  may also be configured to provide a burst of power when energy is desired or required more quickly such as if this were to be used to permanently disable the device (e.g., self-destruction). The energy storage device  158  may be any suitable device configured to store energy, such as, e.g., a capacitor, a battery, or the like. 
     Sensor  160  of surgical instrument  100  is operatively (e.g., directly and/or indirectly) connected to CPU  152  and may be configured to measure the energy output of a sterilization device, as applied to surgical instrument  100 . The threshold energy output required to sufficiently sterilize surgical instrument  100  (e.g., remove harmful bacteria or other infectious agents from surgical instrument  100 ) may be based on empirical or experimental data, which may be programmed or pre-programmed into CPU  152  of circuit board  150 . Once the threshold energy output is met or measured by sensor  160 , CPU  152  will count a full sterilization cycle and record the sterilization data into memory  152   a  of CPU  152 . 
     For example, sensor  160  may be a temperature sensor configured to measure temperature of surfaces of the surgical instrument  100 . If an outer surface of surgical instrument  100  reaches a threshold temperature, e.g., a temperature sufficient for sterilization of surgical instrument  100 , and maintains the threshold temperature for a predetermined period of time, then CPU  152  will record a full sterilization cycle and record the data in memory  152   a.    
     Sensor  160  can be configured to determine and calculate other forms of energy output applied to surgical instrument  100  sufficient to sterilization surgical instrument  100 , such as a light energy, kinetic energy, or the like. As described above, once a threshold energy output is measured by sensor  160 , CPU  152  records a full sterilization cycle, which is recorded into memory  152   a.    
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , a flowchart depicting operation of surgical instrument  100  during a sterilization procedure is provided. In step  200 , surgical instrument  100  is placed in a sterilization device (e.g., an autoclave, pressure chamber, or the like, not explicitly shown) to undergo sterilization. In step  202 , the sterilization device is activated such that energy (e.g., thermal, light, pressure, kinetic, etc., or combinations thereof) is applied to surgical instrument  100  to sterilize surgical instrument  100 . In step  204 , the energy harvesting device  154  harvests the energy from the sterilization device. The energy harvested from energy harvesting device  154  may be conditioned (e.g., voltage boosted) by amplifier  156 . 
     In step  206 , energy storage device  158  may selectively store the absorbed energy from energy harvesting device  154 . In some aspects, if the power requirements of circuit board  150  are minimal, energy storage device  158  may be powered without step  206  (e.g., directly from the energy harvesting element). In certain aspects, this may also apply to the amplifier/boost/condition circuit. In step  208 , energy harvesting device  154  and/or the energy storage device  158  provide power to CPU  152  such that CPU  152 , sensor  160 , or combinations thereof are “powered on” and can begin performing functions. In step  210 , sensor  160  measures the energy output of the sterilization device, as applied to the surgical instrument  100 . CPU  152  then determines if a threshold energy output (e.g., a maximum temperature, light, kinetic, pressure, or energy value) sufficient for sterilization of surgical instrument  100  has been met. In step  210 , if the threshold energy output is met, CPU  152  counts and memory  152   a  records a full or completed sterilization cycle. In accordance with the present disclosure, the usage count is only changed once per sterilization cycle (e.g., the measured applied energy must fall below a certain predetermined threshold before the usage count is changed again). Once the sterilization cycle is complete, in step  214 , CPU  152  determines if surgical instrument  100 , or any parts thereof, has undergone a threshold limit of sterilization cycles. CPU  152  then determines and optionally display  153  displays a service recommendation. Additionally or alternatively, a user can download the data onto an external device (e.g., tablet, smartphone, computer, etc., or combinations thereof) using data interface device  153   a.  If the threshold limit of sterilization cycles is not met, then the surgical instrument  100  is ready for use. It is contemplated that the data (e.g., usage count) may also be read by the instrument drive unit  50  through a data interface, or, alternatively, surgical instrument  100  may be disabled. 
     Although surgical instrument  100  is configured for use with robotic surgical systems, it should be appreciated that the disclosed systems and methods are applicable to any type of surgical instrument, device, tool, or assembly, such as for example, the powered handheld surgical instruments described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,968,276 and 9,055,943, and commonly owned U.S. Patent Application No. 2016/0310134, the entire contents of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     Persons skilled in the art will understand that the structures and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying figures are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the description, disclosure, and figures should be construed merely as exemplary of particular embodiments. It is to be understood, therefore, that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise embodiments described, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Additionally, the elements and features shown or described in connection with certain embodiments may be combined with the elements and features of certain other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and that such modifications and variations are also included within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described.