Motorized surgical instrument

[0001] Surgical staplers known in the art have been used to simultaneously make a longitudinal incision in a tissue and to apply rows of staples to the opposite sides of the incision. Such devices typically comprise a pair of cooperating jaw members that, if the device is intended for endoscopic or laparoscopic applications, can pass through the cannula channel. In one of the jaw elements, a staple cartridge is placed, having at least two laterally spaced rows of staples. The second jaw member forms an anvil having staple-forming pockets aligned with the rows of staples in the cartridge. Such devices usually contain a plurality of reciprocating wedges which, driven in the distal direction,

[0002] An example of a surgical stapler suitable for endoscopic applications is described in US Patent Application No. 2004/0232196 A1, entitled "Surgical stapling instrument of separate closing and firing systems". A physician using such a tool can close the stapler jaws on the tissue to establish tissue position before triggering. When the physician determines that the jaw elements grip the tissue correctly, it can trigger the surgical stapler, cutting and stapling the tissue. The simultaneous cutting and stitching steps avoid complications that may arise from performing such operations in a sequential manner, with the aid of various surgical tools that, respectively, only cut or just staple.

[0003] Also known from the state of the art are surgical cutting and motor-locking apparatuses in which the motor powers a cutting device, such as described in published US Patent Application No. 2007/0175962 A1, entitled "Motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening. instrument with tactile position feedback ". In this publication, the battery in the holder is used to power the motor.

[0004] WO 2007/137304 discloses a surgical instrument. An electric stapler is disclosed herein. This stapler includes a two-part force-generating limiter, which is in the form of a circuit in which only one or several links in the power supply are connected to the motor during the first staple / cut portion, and in the second staple / cut section, most or all links in the power supply are connected with the engine. Also disclosed is a "hybrid" cell in which a primary cell could charge a secondary cell that would provide an additional power source for the motor during the release. An alternative to the secondary cell is the use of a capacitor / supercapacitor that would be inserted into the engine's power supply system; it could be electrically disconnected from the system until the operator decides that an additional power supply is needed. At this moment, the operator can turn on the capacitor to obtain an additional "jump" of energy.

SUMMARY [0005] The invention provides a surgical instrument as claimed later in the document. These instruments may be endoscopic devices, such as linear endocutters or circular staplers; or laparoscopic devices. Instruments may include staples and / or RF (radio frequency) electrodes for affixing tissue clamped in the end effector.

[0006] Several embodiments disclosed herein relate to cordless motor-driven instruments. In one embodiment, the device includes a charge storage device, separate from the battery, which provides additional energy to the electric motor if desired. The charge accumulating device may initially be charged by the battery. Next; it can be disconnected until additional energy from the battery charger is needed. At this time, the charge storage device is connected in series with the battery to provide additional energy to the motor.

[0007] In a further embodiment, the motor may comprise at least two windings. In one mode, the winding operation is connected in series, and in the second mode the windings are connected in parallel. When the windings are connected in series, the motor can have output power at high speed and low torque. When the windings are connected in parallel, the motor can have output power at low speed and high torque. In this way, for example, the motor can operate in both modes, and the device does not have to have many engines.

[0008] In a further embodiment, the device uses a removable battery (probably with the possibility of charging) to power the motor. The battery can contain many cells. The first set of cells can be connected in series in the battery, and the second set of cells can be connected in series in the battery, but inside the battery, the first set is not connected in series with the second set. Instead, the device may include a link, e.g., connected in a holder that connects the first set in series to the second set when the battery is installed or placed in the instrument.

[0009] These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description below.

DRAWINGS [0010] The various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are perspective views of a cutting and securing surgical instrument in accordance with the various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3-5 are views in an exploded view of the end effector and device shaft, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a side view of an end effector, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the device holder in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are partial perspective views of a handle in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the holder, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a circuit used in a device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12-14 and 17 are diagrams of the circuits used to power the instrument's engine, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a load management circuit in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a base of a charging device in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 shows a typical battery power curve;

FIG. 19 and 20 are schematic diagrams used in a device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 21 and 23 are schematic diagrams of devices in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 and 24 are battery diagrams according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION [0011] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 shows a cutting and securing surgical instrument 10 in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The present embodiment relates to an endoscopic apparatus and, in general, the embodiments of the device 10 described herein relate to cutting and securing endoscopic surgical instruments. However, it should be noted that 4 ??? in accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure, the device may be a cutting and fixing non-surgical surgical instrument, such as a laparoscopic device.

[0012] The surgical device 10 shown in FIG. 1 and 2 comprises a handle 6, a shaft 8, and an articulated end effector 12 pivotally connected to a shaft 8 in the joint 14. A pivot 16 may be provided adjacent to the handle 6 to cause rotation of the end effector 12 around the pivot 14. In the embodiment shown the end effector 12 is configured to function as an endother for tissue clamping, cutting and stitching, although, in other embodiments, other types of end effectors may be used, such as end effectors for other types of surgical devices, such as grippers, knives, staplers, terminal applicators, access devices, dosing devices for drug / gene therapy and devices using ultrasound, radio frequency (RF), laser, etc.

The holder 6 of the device 10 may comprise a closing trigger 18 and a trigger trigger 20 for actuating the end effector 12. It should be noted that instruments having end effectors for a variety of surgical tasks may have a different number or types of triggers or other suitable regulators for handling 12. The end effector 12 is shown separated from the handle 6 by a preferably elongated shaft 8. In one embodiment, the physician or operator of the device 10 can articulate the end effector 12 relative to the shaft 8 by using the joint 16 as described in detail in US patent application No. 2007/0158385 A1, entitled "Surgical Instrument Having An Articulating End Effector", Geoffrey C. Hueil, and others.

in such a way that the operator can access it using one hand. Then, the operator may pivot the firing trigger 20 towards the pistol grip 26 to cause stapling and cutting of the clamped tissue in the end effector 12. In other embodiments, other types of gripping means may be used in addition to the anvil 24, such as, for example, opposite jaws, and the like.

[0015] It should be noted that the terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein to refer to the physician holding the grip 6 of the device 10. As a result, the end effector 12 is distal to the proximal part of the grip 6. Furthermore, it should be noted that for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as "vertical" and "levels" are used herein in connection with the drawings. However, surgical instruments are used in many directions and positions, and these terms are not limiting or absolute.

[0016] The closing trigger 18 can be activated in the first place. Once the physician accepts the position of the end effector 12, he can pull the closing trigger 18 to its fully closed, locked position closer to the pistol grip 26. The trigger trigger 20 can then be activated. The firing trigger 20 returns to the open position (shown in FIG 1 and FIG 2) when the physician releases the pressure, as described in more detail below. The release button on the handle 6 can, after depression, release the locking catch 18. The releasing button can be implemented in various forms, e.g. as the sliding release button 160 shown in FIG. 7 or any of the mechanisms described in published U.S. Patent Application No. 2007/01755955 A1.

[0017] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the end effector 12, in accordance with various embodiments. As shown in the embodiment shown, the end effector 12 may include, in addition to the aforesaid channel 22 and anvil 24, a cutting device 32, a sled 33, a staple cartridge 34 which is arranged removably in the channel 22, and a screw shaft 36. The cutting device 32 can be, for example, a knife. The anvil 24 may be articulated openable and closed at a pivot point 25 connected to the proximal end of duct 22. Anvil 24 may, also, comprise at its proximal end a flap 27 which is inserted into the component of the mechanical locking system (described in detail below) for opening and closing the anvil 24. When the closing trigger 18 is actuated, i.e. the user-induced device 10, the anvil 24 can rotate around the pivot point 25 to a clamped or closed position. If the gripping of the end effector 12 is satisfactory, the operator may trigger the trigger 20, which, as explained in detail below, causes the knife 32 and sled 33 to move along the channel 22, cutting the tissue clamped in the end effector 12. Movement of the sled 33 along the channel 22 causes the staples from the staple cartridge 34 to be guided through the cut tissue and the closed anvil 24, which in turn causes the staples to fix the incision tissue. In various embodiments, the carriage 33 may be an integral component of the cartridge 34. US Patent No. 6,978,921, entitled "Surgical stapling instrument incorporating an E-beam firing mechanism", provides detailed information on such two-stroke cutting and attachment devices. Sledges 33 can be part of the cartridge 34, in such a way that when the knife 32 retracts after the cutting operation, the slides 33 do not retract.

[0018] It should be noted that although the embodiments of the apparatus 10 described herein utilize the end effector 12 that sutures the incision tissue; in other embodiments, other techniques for securing or sealing the incision tissue may be used. For example, it is also possible to use end effectors that use radio frequency energy (RF) or adhesive to fix the incision tissue. US Patent No. 5,709,680, entitled "Electrosurgical Hemostatic Device", Yates et al., And US Patent No. 5,688,270, entitled "Electrosurgical Hemostatic Device with Recessed and / or Offset Electrodes", Yates et al., Discloses an endoscopic cutting device that uses radio frequency energy for attaching incision tissue. US Patent Application No. 2007/0102453 A1, Jerome R. Morgan et al. And US Published Patent Application No. 2007/0102452 A1, Frederick E. Shelton, IV et al., Discloses endoscopic cutting devices that use adhesive for securing incision tissue. Accordingly, although the description herein relates to a cutting / stitching operation and the like, it should be noted that this is only an embodiment and that it is not limiting. It is possible to use other techniques of tissue attachment. although the description herein relates to cutting / stitching operations and the like, it should be noted that this is only an embodiment, and that it is not limiting. It is possible to use other techniques of tissue attachment. although the description herein relates to cutting / stitching operations and the like, it should be noted that this is only an embodiment, and that it is not limiting. It is possible to use other techniques of tissue attachment.

[0019] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are exploded views, and FIG. 6 shows a side view of the end effector 12 and roller 8, in accordance with various embodiments. As shown in the embodiment shown, the shaft 8 may include a proximal closure tube 40 and a distal closure tube 42 hingedly connected by articulated fittings 44. The distal closure tube 42 includes an opening 45 into which a flap 27 on the anvil 24 is inserted to open and closing the anvil 24, as described in detail below. Inside the closing tubes 40, 42 a proximal dorsal tube 46 can be placed. Inside the proximal dorsal tube 46, a main rotatable (or proximal) drive shaft 48 can be placed that connects to the secondary (or further) drive shaft 50 via a conical gear 52.

for cutting the tissue clamped in the end effector 12. Sledges 33 may be made of, for example, plastic and may have a further inclined surface. When the sleds 33 move along the channel 22, the inclined front surface can push or guide the staples in the staple cartridge through the clamped tissue and the anvil 24. The crotch 24 bends the staples, thereby stapling the incision tissue. During retraction of the knife 32, the knife 32 and the sledges 33 can be disengaged, as a result of which the sledges 33 remain at the distal end of the channel 22. and the inclined front surface can push or guide the staples in the staple cartridge through the clamped tissue and the anvil 24. The crotch 24 bends the staples, thereby stapling the incision tissue. During retraction of the knife 32, the knife 32 and the sledges 33 can be disengaged, as a result of which the sledges 33 remain at the distal end of the channel 22. and the inclined front surface can push or guide the staples in the staple cartridge through the clamped tissue and the anvil 24. The crotch 24 bends the staples, thereby stapling the incision tissue. During retraction of the knife 32, the knife 32 and the sledges 33 can be disengaged, as a result of which the sledges 33 remain at the distal end of the channel 22.

[0021] FIG. 7-10 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a motorized endmill. The illustrated embodiment provides feedback to the user regarding the ejection and load force of the cutting device in the end effector. In addition, the embodiment may use the energy provided by the user when releasing the firing trigger 20 to power the device (so-called "power assist" mode). As shown in the embodiment, the handle 6 includes outer lower side members 59, 60 and upper outer side elements 61, 62 that are adapted to each other such that they together form the outer part of the handle 6. A battery 64, such as a lithium battery ion can be located in part 26 of the pistol grip of the handle 6.

[0022] The engine 65 may be a brush drive motor having a maximum rotational speed of approximately 25,000 rpm without load. In other embodiments, the motor 65 may include a brushless motor, a wireless motor, a synchronous motor, a stepper motor, or any other suitable electric motor. The motor 64 may drive a 90 ° bevel gear 66 including a first bevel gear 68 and a second bevel gear 70. The bevel gear 66 may drive the planet gear 72. The planet gear 72 may include a pinion 74 connected to the drive shaft 76. The pinion 74 may drive the ring gear 78, which drives the helical wheel drum 80 through the drive shaft 82. The ring 84 can be screwed onto the drum of the helical wheel 80. As a result, when the engine 65 rotates,

[0023] The handle 6 may also include a motor start-up sensor 110 (see FIG. 10) connected to the firing trigger 20 to detect when the firing trigger 20 is pulled (or "closed") by the operator towards the pistol grip part 26 of the handle 6, to start the cutting / stapling operation by the end effector 12. The sensor 110 may be a proportional sensor, such as, for example, a rheostat or variable resistor. When the trigger trigger 20 themst attracted, the sensor 110 detects motion, and sends an electrical signal indicative of the voltage (or power) to be delivered to the motor 65. When the sensor 110 is an adjustable resistor or the like, the rotary motion of the motor 65 may be, in general, proportional to the amount of dislocation of the firing trigger 20. This means that if the operator only slightly pulls or closes the firing trigger 20, the rotation of the motor 65 is substantially small. When the firing trigger 20 is fully extended (or in the fully closed position), the rotary motion of the motor 65 is maximum. In other words, the harder the user pulls the trigger 20, the higher the voltage is supplied to the motor 65, resulting in a higher rotational speed.

[0024] The holder 6 may comprise a central element of the handle 104 adjacent the upper part of the firing trigger 20. The holder 6 may also include a deflection spring 112 connected between the posts on the central element of the holder 104 and the trigger 20. The deflection spring 112 may deflect the trigger 20 to the position of the trigger. completely open. In this way, when the operator releases the trigger trigger 20, the deflection spring 112 will pull the trigger trigger 20 to the open position, thereby immobilising the sensor 110 and stopping the rotary motion of the motor 65. Furthermore, by deflection spring 112, each time the user closes the trigger trigger trigger 20, will feel resistance at closing, and receive feedback about the amount of rotational movement exerted by the motor 65.

[0025] The distal end of the helical wheel drum 80 includes a distal drive shaft 120 that drives a ring gear 122 cooperating with a pinion 124. The gobock 124 is connected to the main drive shaft 48 of the main drive shaft assembly. In this way, the rotation of the motor 65 causes the main drive shaft assembly to rotate, which causes the end effector 12 to move in the manner described above.

[0026] The ring 84 screwed onto the drum of the helical wheel 80 may include a pillar 86 which is positioned in the slit 88 of the arm with the slit 90. The arm with the slit 90 has an aperture 92 at its opposite end 94 that adopts a pivot pin 96 which is connected between the external side elements of the handle 59, 60. The pin 96 is also inserted through the opening 100 in the trigger trigger 20 and the hole 102 in the central element of the holder 104.

[0027] Furthermore, the handle 6 may comprise a reverse engine sensor (or stroke end sensor) 130 and an engine stop sensor (or stroke start) 142. In various embodiments, the reverse motor sensor 130 may be a limit switch located on the distal end of the wheel bolt 80, in such a way that the ring 84, screwed onto the helical wheel 80, contacts and triggers the engine reverse sensor 130 when the ring 84 reaches the distal end of the helical wheel 80. The reverse engine sensor 130, in case it is activated, transmits a signal to the motor 65 to change its rotating direction, thus retracting the knife 32 of the end effector 12 after the cutting operation. The motor stop sensor 142 may be, for example, a normally closed end switch.

[0028] In operation, when the device operator 10 pulls the trigger 20, the sensor 110 detects the release of the firing trigger 20 and sends a signal to the motor 65, causing the motor to pivot forward 65, e.g., at a rate proportional to how the operator will pull the release trigger 20. The rotary motion of the forward motor 65, in turn, causes rotation of the ring gear 78 at the distal end of the planetary gear assembly 72, thereby causing rotation of the helical drum 80, which in turn makes the ring 84 shot on the drum of the helical wheel 80 moves further along it. Rotation of the helical wheel drum 80 also drives the main drive shaft assembly as described above, which in turn causes the knife 32 to slide out in the end effector 12. This means

[0029] At the time when the cutting / stapling operation with the end effector 12 is completed, the ring 84 on the drum 80 achieves its further ending, causing the reverse motor sensor 130 to be triggered and sends a signal to the motor 65, causing a change in the direction of rotation of the motor 65. This in turn causes the retraction of the knife 32, and also, moving the ring 84 on the drum of the helical wheel 80 back to its proximal end.

[0030] The central element of the holder 104 includes a side arm 106 that connects to the arm with a slit 90, as best shown in FIG. 8 and 9. The central element of the handle 104 also has a forward stop 107 associated with the trigger 20. Movement of the arm with the slit 90 is controlled as explained above by the rotation of the motor 65. When the arm with the slot 90 rotates in the opposite direction clockwise when the ring 84 moves from the proximal end of the screw wheel 80 to the distal end, the central element of the handle 104 will rotate freely in the counterclockwise direction. As a result, when the user pulls the trigger trigger 20, it will engage the front stop of the movement 107 of the center element of the handle 104, causing a rotation of the central element of the handle 104 in an anti-clockwise direction. However, because of the side arm 106 communicating with the arm with the slit 90, the central element of the handle 104 will be able to rotate only counterclockwise as much as the arm with the slot 90 permits. Thus, if the motor 65 it stops rotating for some reason, the arm with the slot 90 stops rotating and the user can not continue to pull the trigger trigger 20, because the middle element of the handle 104 will not be able to rotate freely in the counterclockwise direction due to the arm with slot 90.

[0031] The components of the exemplary closure system for closing (or squeezing) anvil 24 of end effector 12 by withdrawing the closure trigger 18 are also shown in FIG. 7-10. In the illustrated embodiment, the closing system comprises a yoke 250 connected to the closing trigger 18 by a bolt 251 which is introduced through openings in one axis, in closing gate 18 and yoke 250. A rotating pin 252 about which the closing trigger 18 is rotated is inserted through another opening in the closing spout 18, which is offset from the place where the pin 251 is inserted by the closing trigger 18. As a result, the withdrawal of the closing trigger 18 causes the upper part of the closing trigger 18 to which the yoke 250 is fixed by the pin 251, rotates counter-clockwise. The distal end of the yoke 250 is connected by means of a pin 254 to the first closing bracket 256. The first closing bracket 256 connects to a second closure support 258. Together, the closing brackets 256, 258 define an opening in which the proximal end of the proximal closure tube 40 is positioned (see 4) and is held such that the longitudinal movement of the closing brackets 256, 258 causes longitudinal movement of the proximal closure tube 40. The apparatus 10 also includes a closing bar 260 disposed within the proximal closure tube 40. The closing bar 260 may include a window 261 in which the post 263 is placed on one of the outer members of the holder, such as the outer lower side member 59 in the illustrated embodiment,

[0032] In operation, when the yoke 250 rotates due to the retraction of the closing trigger 18, the closing brackets 256, 258 cause further movement of the proximal closure tube 40 (i.e., away from the end of the device holder 10). the closure tube 42 moves further, which causes the anvil 24 to rotate around the pivot point 25 to a clamped or closed position. When the closure trigger 18 is unlocked from the locked position, the proximal closure tube 40 moves closer, which also causes the distal closure tube 42 to move closer, which, due to the flap 27 inserted through the window 45 of the distal closure tube 42, causes the anvil 24 to rotate around the point 25, to the open or released position. Thanks to this, by withdrawing and blocking the closing trigger 18,

[0033] Additional configurations for surgical motorized devices are disclosed in published US Patent Application No. 2007/0175962 A1, entitled "Motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument with tactile position feedback". [0034] FIG. 11 is a diagram of a motor control circuit in accordance with the present invention. In various embodiments, the motor control circuit may include one of a plurality of integrated circuits, such as, for example, a processor, memory, microcontroller, time circuits, and the like. In other embodiments, the motor control circuit may not include any integrated circuits. Such a motor control circuit that does not contain integrated circuits may be beneficial,

[0035] When the operator pre-pulls the firing trigger 20 after locking the closing trigger 18, the sensor 110 is activated, (or closed when the sensor 110 is a switch), allowing current to flow through it. If the normally open reverse engine switch 130 is open (which means that the end of the end effector stroke is not reached), the current will flow to the single-pole and single-stage relay 132. When the reverse engine switch 130 is not closed, the coil 134 the relay 132 will not be charged, which means that the relay 132 will be in the non-excited state.

[0036] As can be seen in FIG. 11, the circuit may also include a resistance element 144 and a switch 146 connected in parallel with parallel elements connected in series with the relay 132. The resistance element 144 and switch 146 are also connected to a power source 64. The switch 146 can be controlled by a control circuit 148 that reacts on the cutter position sensor 150. According to various embodiments, the control circuit 148 can open the switch 146 when the cutting device 32 is (i) very close to the beginning of its stroke and (ii) very close to the end of its stroke. For example, the control circuit may open the switch when the cutting device 32 is at a distance of (i) 25.4 μιτι (0.001 inch) from the starting point of its stroke and (ii) 25.4 μτ (0.001 inch) from the end of its stroke, With the switch 146 open, the current flows through the resistance element 144 and then, via the relay 132, the relay 138, the engine start switch switch 110, to the motor 65. The current flowing through the resistance element 144 reduces the current supplied to the motor 65, thereby reducing the power provided by the motor 65. As a result, when the cutting device 32 is (i) very close to the beginning of its stroke or (ii) very close to the end of its stroke, the power delivered by the motor 65 is reduced. In turn, when the cutting device 32 travels far enough from its starting point or the end of the stroke point, the control circuit 148 can close the switch 146, thereby closing the resistance element 144 and thereby increasing the current flowing to the motor 65,

[0037] According to various embodiments, the electric circuit further comprises lock switch sensors 136a-d jointly defining a lock circuit 137 through which current flows from relay 132, in the absence of actuation, to initiate electric operation of the motor 65. Each switch the lock sensor 136a-d may be configured to maintain an open (i.e., non-conducting) state of the switch or a closed (or conductive) condition of the responsive switch, respectively, for the presence or absence of a corresponding condition. Each of the respective states, if present, when the device 10 is triggered, may result in unsatisfactory cutting and stapling operation and / or damage to the device 10. The states to which the lock sensor 136a-d may switch can, for example, react to (a) lack of cartridge with staples 34 in channel 22, (b) the presence of a used (e.g., previously triggered) staple cartridge 34 in the channel 22 and (c) an open (or otherwise insufficiently closed) position of the anvil 24 with respect to channel 22. Other states over which the lock sensor switches may react 136a-d, such as component wear, can be determined based on the total number of trigger operations generated by the device 10. Accordingly, in various embodiments, if any of these conditions occur, the respective lock switch sensors 136a-d maintain switching open state, preventing the flow of current required to initiate the operation of the motor 65. The current flow through the interlock sensors 136a-d is possible, in various embodiments, only after all of the states have been repaired. It should be noted that the above-described conditions are only exemplified and that additional lock-sensor switches that react to other states that are detrimental to the operation of the device 10 can be provided. It can also be seen that in the case of embodiments in which one or more of the above-described conditions may not exist or do not relate to this situation, the number of lockout sensor switches may be less than that shown.

[0038] As can be seen in FIG. 11, the lock sensor switch 136a may be implemented using a normally open switch configuration such that the closed state of the switch is maintained when the staple cartridge 34 is in a position corresponding to its proper reception through the channel 22. When the staple cartridge 34 is not installed in channel 22, or installed incorrectly (e.g., misplaced), lock sensor switch 136a remains open. The lock sensor switch 136b may be implemented using a normally open switch configuration in such a way that the closed state of the switch is maintained only when when the unused staple cartridge 34 (i.e. the staple cartridge 34 having the sledge 33 in the non-actuated position) is in channel 22. The presence of the used staple cartridge 34 in the channel 22 causes the lock sensor switch 136b to remain open. The lock sensor switch 136c may be implemented using a normally open switch configuration such that the closed state of the switch is maintained when the anvil 24 is in the closed position with respect to channel 22. Lock interlock switch 136c may be controlled according to the time delay function , wherein the closed state of the switch is maintained only after the anvil 24 is in the closed position in the case of a predetermined time interval. The presence of a used staple cartridge 34 in the channel 22 causes the lock sensor switch 136b to remain open. The lock sensor switch 136c may be implemented using a normally open switch configuration such that the closed state of the switch is maintained when the anvil 24 is in the closed position with respect to channel 22. Lock interlock switch 136c may be controlled according to the time delay function , wherein the closed state of the switch is maintained only after the anvil 24 is in the closed position in the case of a predetermined time interval. The presence of a used staple cartridge 34 in the channel 22 causes the lock sensor switch 136b to remain open. The lock sensor switch 136c may be implemented using a normally open switch configuration such that the closed state of the switch is maintained when the anvil 24 is in the closed position with respect to channel 22. Lock interlock switch 136c may be controlled according to the time delay function , wherein the closed state of the switch is maintained only after the anvil 24 is in the closed position in the case of a predetermined time interval.

The lock sensor switch 136d may be implemented using a normally closed switch configuration such that the closed state of the switch is maintained only when the total number of trigger operations generated by the device 10 is less than the predefined number. The lock sensor switch 136d may be connected to a counter 139 configured to maintain a value indicating the total number of trigger operations performed by the instrument 10 comparing the value to a predefined number and controlling the state of the lock sensor switch 136d based on this comparison. Although in FIG. 11 are shown as separate elements, it should be noted that the counter 139 can be integrated with the lock sensor switch 136d so as to form a shared device. preferably, The meter 139 is implemented as an electronic device having an input to increment the maintained value on the basis of a change in the discrete electrical signal provided. It should be noted that, alternatively, a mechanical counter configured to maintain the value may be used, based on the mechanical input signal (e.g., the release of the firing trigger 20). When implemented in the form of an electronic device, any discrete signal present in the electric circuit, which changes once for each trigger operation, can be used for the input signal of the counter 139. As can be seen, for example, in FIG. 11, it is possible to use a discrete electrical signal resulting from the activation of the end stroke sensor 130. The counter 139 can control the state of the lock sensor switch 136d in such a way that the closed state of the switch is maintained when the maintained value is less than the predefined number stored in the counter 139. When the maintained number is equal to the predefined number, the counter 139 causes the sensor switch The lock 136d is kept open, thus preventing the passage of current through it. It should be noted that the predefined number stored by the counter 139 can be selectively adjusted if necessary. According to various embodiments, the counter 304 can be connected to an external display (not shown), such as an LCD display integrated in the device 10,

[0040] According to various embodiments, the lock circuit 137 may include one or more indicators visible to the user of the instrument 10, to display the status of at least one of the lockout sensor switches 136ad. More information on such indicators can be found in published US Patent Application No. 2007/0175956, entitled "Electronic lockouts and surgical instrument including the same". This application also includes exemplary clamping arrangements and configurations of the lock sensor switches 136a-d.

In the embodiment shown, when the lock sensor switches 136a-d collectively maintain the closed state, a single-pole and single-state relay 138 is activated. When the relay 138 is energized, current flows through the relay 138, through the engine start switch sensor 110, and to the engine. 65, by a bipolar and bistable relay 140, thereby powering the motor 65 and allowing it to rotate in the forward direction. According to various embodiments, as the output signal from the relay 138 upon energization, keeps the relay 138 in the excited state until the relay 132 is energized; the interlock circuit 137 will not prevent operation of the motor 165 after initiation, even if one or more of the lock sensor switches 136a-d later maintain the open state. However, in other embodiments, a different way of connecting the interlock circuit 137 and the relay 138 may be necessary or required; such that one or more of the lock sensor switches 136a-d must maintain the closed state of the switch to maintain the operation of the motor 165 after initialization.

[0042] The rotation of the motor in the forward direction causes the ring 84 to move in the distal direction and thus deactivates the engine stop sensor switch 142, in various embodiments. As the switch 142 is normally closed, the solenoid 141 connected to the switch 142 can be energized. The solenoid 141 may be a traditional push solenoid, which in the event of an activation causes the plunger (not shown) to be pulled axially. The pull of the plunger can be used to keep the locking trigger 18 in the retracted position, thus preventing the anvil 24 from opening when the trigger operation is in progress (i.e. when the switch 142 is not actuated). After removing the solenoid activation

141, the plunger is retracted in such a way that it is possible to manually release the closing trigger 18.

[0043] When the end effector 12 reaches the end of the stroke, the reverse sensor of the motor 130 will be activated, thereby closing the switch 130 and actuating the relay 132. This causes the relay 132 to become charged (not shown in FIG. 11), which causes that the current bypasses the blockade sensor 137 and the engine start switch switch 110 and instead causes the current to flow to the bipolar and binary relay 140 and back to the motor 65, but via the relay 140, causing a change in the direction of rotation of the motor 65. As the switch of the motor stop sensor 142 is normally closed, the current will flow back to the relay 132 to maintain its power until the switch 142 opens. When the knife 32 is completely retracted,the engine stop switch switch 142 is activated, causing the switch 142 to open, thereby disengaging the power supply from the motor 65, and not activating the solenoid 141.

[0044] In other embodiments, other alternatives may be used to limit the current supplied to the motor 65, at specific time intervals, during the cutting stroke cycle. Other embodiments are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 235,782.

[0045] In some cases, it may be advantageous to provide a momentary increase in the current supplied to the motor 65 to increase the output torque. FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of a circuit for providing a momentary increase in the current delivered to the motor 65, in accordance with various embodiments. The circumference is similar to that shown in FIG. 11 except that the circumference of FIG. 19 further comprises a load accumulating apparatus 1000 connected to a power source 64. The charge accumulating apparatus 1000 can be any device that can store a charge, such as a capacitor. For example, the charge accumulating apparatus 1000 may include an ultracapacitor (sometimes referred to as a supercapacitor). When the engine 65 is turned on first, for example, when the switch 110 is closed due to the retraction of the firing trigger 20, the switch S1 can be closed in such a way that the battery 64 can supply the motor 65 as described above. In addition, the switch S3 can also be closed only for a short time ("charging period") to charge the charge storage device 1000 via the resistor R1. For example, according to various embodiments, the switch S3 can be closed by one to ten time constants RC, wherein R is the resistance of the resistor R1 and C is the capacity of the charge accumulator 1000. to charge the charge storage device 1000 via the resistor R1. For example, according to various embodiments, the switch S3 can be closed by one to ten time constants RC, wherein R is the resistance of the resistor R1 and C is the capacity of the charge accumulator 1000. to charge the charge storage device 1000 via the resistor R1. For example, according to various embodiments, the switch S3 can be closed by one to ten time constants RC, wherein R is the resistance of the resistor R1 and C is the capacity of the charge accumulator 1000.

[0046] The charge in the charge accumulator 1000 may remain unused under normal operating conditions, but during the procedure when the physician needs additional output torque from the motor 65, the charge accumulating device 1000 may be connected in series with the battery 64. This may be implemented, for example, by opening the switch S1 and closing the switch S2 (leaving the switch S3 open after the charging period). With the switch S2 closed, the charge accumulating apparatus 1000 may be connected in series with the battery 64, thereby providing additional current to the motor 65.

[0047] The demand condition of the charge accumulating apparatus 1000 can be detected in a number of ways. For example, there may be an adjustable resistor or a spring connected to the trigger 20. When the trigger is pulled out beyond a point or using force above the limit level, the charge accumulator 1000 may be connected in series with the battery 64. In addition or in accordance with an alternative embodiment The handle 6 may include an external switch (not shown) that can be activated by a physician to connect the charge storage device 1000 in series with the battery 64.

[0048] The charge accumulating apparatus 1000 may be used with or without the current limiters described above in connection with FIG. 11.

[0049] Sometimes, when using the device 10, it may be advantageous for the motor 65 to operate at high speed but with relatively low torque. At other times, it may be desirable for the motor 65 to have a high torque but a low speed. According to various embodiments, such functionality may be implemented using a motor 65 having a plurality of (e.g., two or more) windings, as shown in FIG. 20. In the embodiment shown, the motor has two windings. The first winding 1200 may have half (or parts) of windings 1201 and 1202. The second winding 1204 may have half (or parts) of windings 1206 and 1208. The motor 65, in this example, may be a 6 or 8 pin motor with bipolar drive circuit 1210 (see, e.g., Figures 11 and 12). When high speed and low torque mode is required, two sets of windings can be connected in series. In such mode, which has been shown in FIG. 20, circuit breakers S1 and S4 are closed and circuit breakers S2, S3, S5 and S6 are open. When a low speed and high torque mode is required, two sets of windings can be connected in parallel. In this mode, the switches S1 and S4 are open and the switches S2, S3, S5 and S6 are closed. The possibility of passing between these two modes allows you to get a two-speed gearbox without any additional moving parts. This also allows the same engine to generate both high speeds and high torque; but not at the same time. The advantage of this configuration is that it avoids the use of many engines. Also, it is possible to eliminate some of the gears, because the motor 65 can generate additional torque in parallel mode and an additional speed in serial mode. In addition, additional windings can be used in such a way that a greater number of operating modes can be realized. For example, it is possible to use windings for many serial and parallel winding combinations. In addition, some windings can be used to detect motor states and the like. it is possible to use windings for many serial and parallel winding combinations. In addition, some windings can be used to detect motor states and the like. it is possible to use windings for many serial and parallel winding combinations. In addition, some windings can be used to detect motor states and the like.

[0050] According to various embodiments, the handle 6 may comprise an external motor mode selection switch 1220, as shown in FIG. 21. By using the switch 1220, the operator of the device 10 can decide if the motor 65 will operate in high speed and low torque mode, or in low speed and high torque mode. Other switching circuits can also be used to switch motor 65 between operating modes, e.g. switching circuits, which automatically switch motor mode based on sensor input signals.

In a motor-operated surgical instrument, such as one of the endoscopic motor-operated devices described above, or in an orbital motorized cutting device, the motor may be powered by a series of cells connected in series. In addition, under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to supply the engine using parts from the total number of cells. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the motor 65 may be powered by a power supply 299 comprising six (6) cells 310 connected in series. Cells 310 may be, for example, 3-volt lithium cells, such as CR 123A cells, although other types of cells (including cells with different voltage levels and / or other chemical compositions) may be used in other embodiments. If six 3-volt cells 310 are connected in series, to power the motor 65, the total voltage available for motor 65 would be 18 volts. Cells 310 may include rechargeable or non rechargeable cells.

[0052] In this embodiment, at the heaviest loads, the input voltage of the motor 65 can decrease to about nine to ten volts. In this mode of operation, the power supply 299 provides a maximum power to the motor 65. Accordingly, as FIG. 12, the circuit may include a switch 312 that selectively allows the motor 65 to be powered by (1) all cells 310 or (2) a portion of the cells 310. In FIG. 12, it can also be seen that by suitable selection, switch 312 can provide power to the motor 65 through six links or four links. In this way, switch 312 can be used to power the motor 65 with 18 volts (if all six cells 310 are used) or 12 volts (using four cells). In various embodiments, the selection of the construction concerning the number of cells, in part,

[0053] The switch 312 can be, for example, an electromechanical switch, such as a micro switch. In other embodiments, the switch 312 may be implemented using a semiconductor switch, such as a transistor. A second switch 314, such as a button, can be used to determine if power is even applied to the motor 65. Furthermore, the forward / back switch 316 can be used to control the direction of rotation of the motor 65, in the forward or reverse direction. . The front / rear switch 316 can be implemented using a bipolar and bistate switch, such as the relay 140 shown in FIG. 11.

[0054] In operation, the user of the device 10 can select the required power level using a certain type of switching control, e.g. a position dependent switch (not shown), such as a toggle switch, a mechanical lever switch or a cam that controls the position of the switch 312. Then, the user may activate the second switch 314 to connect the selected links 310 to the motor 65. Furthermore, the circuit depicted in FIG. 12 may be used to power the motor of other types of motorized surgical instruments, e.g., circular knives and / or laparoscopic devices. More information on circular knives can be found in published US patent applications 2006/0047307 A1 and 2007/0262116 A1.

[0055] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13, a primary power source 340, such as a cell, e.g., a CR2 or CR123A cell, may be used to charge a series of secondary battery devices 342. The primary energy source 349 may include one or several series connected cells that are preferably interchangeable in the form shown execution. The secondary battery devices 342 may include, for example, rechargeable cells and / or supercapacitors (also known as "ultracap- tents" or "electrochemical double layer capacitors" (EDLC)). Supercapacitors are electrochemical capacitors that have an extremely high energy density compared to ordinary electrolytic capacitors, usually

The primary power source 340 may charge the secondary battery devices 342. Once a suitable charge has been obtained, the primary power source 340 may be removed, and the secondary battery devices 342 may be used to power the motor 65 during the surgery or operation. Charging of the accumulator devices 342 may take about fifteen to thirty minutes, depending on the circumstances. Supercapacitors have the property that they can be charged and unloaded extremely fast compared to standard batteries. In addition, while batteries are a good solution only for a limited number of charge / discharge cycles, supercapacitors can often be recharged / unloaded many times, sometimes for several dozen million cycles.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 14, the cargo management circuit 344 may be used to determine when the secondary battery devices 342 are sufficiently charged. The charge management circuit 344 may include an indicator, such as one or more LEDs, an LCD display and the like that is activated to notify the user of the device 10 when the secondary battery devices 342 are sufficiently charged.

The main power source 340, the secondary battery devices 342, and the charge management circuit 344 may be part of the power supply in the pistol grip portion 26 of the device holder 10 or other part of the device 10. The power supply may be removed from the pistol grip portion 26 and, in such a case, when the device 10 is to be used for surgery, the power supply can be aseptically inserted into a part of the pistol grip 26 (or other position in the device, according to other embodiments), e.g. by a supervising nurse assisting operations. After the power supply has been introduced, the nurse may place the exchangeable primary power source 340 in the power supply to charge the secondary battery devices 342 for some time before using the instrument 10, for example, for thirty minutes. When the secondary battery devices 342 are charged, the charge management circuit 344 may indicate that the power supply is ready for use. At this point, the replaceable energy source 340 can be removed. During operation, the user of the device 10 can activate the motor 65, e.g. by activating the switch 314, whereby the secondary battery devices 342 supply the motor 65. As a result, instead of a series of disposable batteries for powering the motor 65, it is possible to use one disposable battery (as the main energy sources 340) in this embodiment, and the secondary battery devices 342 may be used repeatedly. However, in alternative embodiments, it should be noted that secondary battery devices 342 may not be rechargeable and / or reapplied. Secondary batteries 342 may be used with the cell selection switch 312 described above in connection with FIG. 12.

The charge management circuit 344 may also include indicators (e.g., LEDs or LCD display) that indicate how much charge remains in the secondary battery devices 342. In this way, the surgeon (or other user of the device 10) can see how much charge remains during the procedure associated with the device 10.

[0060] Load management circuit 344, as shown in FIG. 15, may include a charge meter 345 for measuring the charge in the secondary batteries 342. The payload management circuit 344 may, also, include non-volatile memory 346, such as flash or ROM memory, and one or more processors 348. The processor (s) 348 may be connected to the memory 346 to control this memory. In addition, the processor (s) 348 may be connected to the charge meter 345 to read measurements or otherwise control the charge meter 345. In addition, the processor (s) 348 may control the LEDs or other external devices of the charge management circuit 344. Processors (processors) ) 348 may store device parameters 10 in memory 346. Parameters may include instrument operating parameters, which are sensed by various sensors that can be installed or used in the apparatus 10, for example, the number of triggers, the levels of forces exerted, the distance between the opposing jaws of the end effector 12, the amount of articulation, and the like. In addition, the parameters stored in memory 346 may include ID values ​​for various components of the instrument 10 that can read and store the charge management circuit 344. Components having such ID values ​​may be interchangeable elements, such as, for example, a staple cartridge 34. Values The IDs may be, for example, RFID markers read by the payload control circuit 344 by means of the RFID 350 transponder. The RFID 350 transponder may read the RFID markers from the components of the instrument, such as a staple cartridge 34 that includes RFID markers. The ID values ​​may be read, stored in the memory 346, and also compared by the processor 348 with a list of accepted ID values ​​stored in the memory 346 or other memory associated with the payload control circuit to determine, for example, whether the removable / removable component, associated with the read ID value is authentic and / or appropriate. According to various embodiments, if processor 348 determines that the removable / interchangeable component associated with the read ID value is not authentic, charge management circuit 344 may prevent use of the power supply by the device 10, e.g. opening the switch (not shown), which could prevent power from the power supply to the motor 65. According to various embodiments, various parameters that can be estimated by the processor 348 to determine whether the component is authentic and / or appropriate include: a date code; component type / model; producer's; information about the region; and previous error codes.

[0061] The payload management circuit 344 may also include an I / O interface 352 for communication with another device such as those described below. In this way, the parameters stored in the memory 346 can be downloaded to another device. The I / O interface 352 may be, for example, a wired or wireless interface.

[0062] As mentioned before, the power supply may comprise secondary batteries 342, charge management circuit 344 and / or switch f / r 316. According to various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16, the power supply 299 may be connected to the base of the charging device 362, which may, inter alia, charge the secondary batteries 342 in the power supply. The base of the charging device 362 may be connected to the power supply 299 by aseptically connecting the charging device base 362 to the power supply 299 when the power supply is installed in the apparatus 10. In other embodiments where the power supply can be removed, the charging device base 362 may be connected with the power supply 299 by removing the power supply 299 from the apparatus 10 and connecting it to the base of the charging device 362. In the case of such embodiments, after that,

[0063] As can be seen in FIG. 16, the charging device base 362 may include an energy source 364 for charging the secondary batteries 342. The energy source 364 of the base of the charging device 362 may be, for example, a battery (or a series of batteries connected in series); or an AC / DC converter that converts AC energy, for example, from an electrical power supply to DC; or any other suitable energy source for charging secondary batteries 342. The base of the charging device 362 may also include indicator devices, such as LEDs, an LCD display and the like, for presenting the charging status of the secondary batteries 342.

[0064] Additionally, as can be seen in FIG. 16, the charging device database 362 may include one or more processors 366, one or more memory units 368, and I / O interfaces 370, 372. Through the first I / O interface 370, the charging device base 362 can communicate with the power supply 299. (via the I / O interface of the PSU 352). In this way, for example, data stored in the memory 346 of the power supply 299 can be downloaded to the base 368 of the charging device 362. In this way, the processor 366 can estimate the ID values ​​of the removable / replaceable components taken from the charge management circuit 344 to determine the authenticity and suitability of the components. The operating parameters taken from the load management circuit 344 can also be stored in the 368 memory, and then,

[0065] The base of the charging device 362 may also include a charge meter 374 to measure the charge in the secondary batteries 342. The charge meter 374 may be coupled to the processor (s) 366 such that the processor (s) 366 can determine the real-time suitability of the power supply 299 for use in order to guarantee high performance.

[0066] In another embodiment, as can be seen in FIG. 17, the battery circuit may include a power controller 320 to control the power provided by the power saving circuit 310 to the motor 65. The power controller 320 may also be part of the power supply 299 or may be a separate component. As mentioned above, the motor 65 may be a brush motor. Brush motor speed is usually proportional to the input voltage used. The power controller 320 may provide a precisely regulated output voltage to the motor 65 in such a way that the motor 65 will operate at a constant (or substantially constant) speed. According to various embodiments, the power controller 320 may include a pulse transducer, such as a buck-boost converter, as shown in the example of FIG. 17. Such a buck-boost converter 320 may include a power switch 322, such as FET, rectifier 32, inductor 326, and capacitor 328. When the power switch 322 is turned on, the input voltage source (e.g., power source 310) is connected directly to induction coil 326, which stores energy in this state. In this state, capacitor 328 provides energy to the output load (e.g., motor 65). When the power switch 320 is in the off state, the inductor coil 326 is connected to an output load (e.g., motor 65) and capacitor 328, and thus, the energy is transferred from the inductor 326 to the capacitor 328 and the load 65. The control circuit 330 can control a power switch 322. The control circuit 330 may use digital and / or analogue control loops. Also, in other embodiments, the control circuit 330 may receive control information from the main controller (not shown) via a communication link, such as a serial or parallel digital data bus. It is possible to set a preset voltage value for the output signal from the power controller 320, e.g., half the value of the open circuit voltage at which the maximum power from the source is available.

[0067] In other embodiments, various power transducer topologies, including line or impulse transducers, may be used. Other topologies of pulse transmitters that can be used include flyback, forward, buck, boost and SEPIC. The set voltage for the power controller 320 can be varied depending on how many battery cells are used to power the motor 65. In addition, the power controller 320 can be used with the secondary battery devices 342 shown in FIG. 13. Furthermore, the forward-back switch 316 may be connected to the power controller 320, though in FIG. 17 it was presented separately.

[0068] Batteries can usually be represented as an ideal voltage source and source resistance. In the ideal model, when the source resistance and load are matched, the maximum power is transferred to the load. FIG. 18 shows a typical battery power curve. When the battery circuit is open, the voltage on the battery is high (with an open circuit) and the current drawn from the battery is zero. The power supplied from the battery is also zero. When more current is drawn from the battery, the battery voltage drops. The power supplied by the battery is the product of current and voltage. The power reaches its maximum at a voltage level that is lower than the open circuit voltage. As can be seen in FIG. 18, in the case of most chemical compositions of the battery there is a sudden drop in voltage / power at a higher current, due to the chemical composition; or a positive temperature coefficient PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient); or because of the battery safety device.

[0069] Particularly, in the case of embodiments using a battery (or batteries) to power the motor 65 during the procedure, the control circuit 330 can monitor the output voltage and control the setpoint of the controller 320 in such a way that the battery operates on the "left" side or after side of the growing power of the power curve. If the battery reaches the peak power level, the control circuit 330 may change (e.g., lower) the controller setpoint in such a way that less total power is required from the battery. The motor 65 may then release. In this way, the power supply requirements can rarely, if at all, exceed the peak available power in such a way that the case of power reduction during the procedure can be avoided.

[0070] Furthermore, according to other embodiments, the power drawn from the battery can be optimized in such a way that the chemical reactions in the cells may have time to regenerate and thus optimize the current and power available from the battery. In the case of pulsating loads, the battery usually provides more power at the beginning of the pulse than at the end of the pulse. This is due to several factors, including: (1) PTC can change its resistance during the pulse; (2) the temperature of the battery may change; (3) the rate of the electrochemical reaction varies due to the depletion of the electrolyte at the cathode, and the diffusion rate of the fresh electrolyte limits the reaction rate. According to various embodiments, the control circuit 330 may control the transducer 320 in such a way that it draws a smaller current from the battery,

[0071] As mentioned above, in accordance with various embodiments, the power supply 299 may comprise a plurality of cells 310. FIG. 22 shows an embodiment with six (6) links 310. The links 310 may be, for example, lithium batteries. According to various embodiments, the power supply 299 may have only part of the cells connected internally. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 22, link 310a is connected to cell 310b, cell 310c is connected to cell 310d, and cell 310e is connected to cell 310f. However, the link 310b is not connected internally to the power supply with the link 310c, and the cell 310d is not connected internally to the power supply with the cell 310e. In such embodiments, the device holder 10 may include a cell connector 1300, which only then links the cells 310 in series.

[0072] FIG. 23 shows an embodiment of the device 10 in which a removable, removable power supply 299 is installed in the device holder 6. As can be seen in FIG. 23, the cell connector 1300 may be integrated in the holder 6 in such a way that when the power supply 299 is inserted into the handle 6, the cell link 1300 forms the necessary cell links.

[0073] Of course, in other embodiments, it is possible to use a different number of internal links and another number of internally connected links. For example, FIG. 24 shows an embodiment with six cells 310a-f, wherein two sets of three cells (links 310a-che cells 310d-f) are connected to one another.

[0074] The devices disclosed herein may be designed to be removed after one use or may be designed to be used repeatedly. However, in any case, the device may be regenerated for reuse after at least one use. Regeneration can include any combination of steps for disassembling the device, cleaning or replacing individual components, and then reassembling. In particular, the device may be disassembled, and any number of individual elements or parts of the device may be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. After cleaning and / or replacing individual parts, the device can be re-assembled for further use in a regeneration plant or surgical team immediately before the surgery. Those skilled in the art will be aware that the regeneration of the device may include a number of different techniques for disassembling, cleaning / replacing elements and reassembling. The use of such techniques, as well as the resulting regenerated device, is within the scope of the present application.

[0075] Preferably, various embodiments of the disclosure that are described herein will be processed prior to surgery. First, a new or used device is obtained and, if necessary, is cleaned. The device can then be sterilized. According to one of the sterilization techniques, the device is placed in a closed and sealed package, such as a thermoformed plastic coating covered with a TYVEK plastic layer. The packaging and device are then placed in a radiation field that can pass through the package, such as gamma radiation, X-ray radiation, or high energy electron radiation. Radiation destroys the bacteria on the instrument and in the packaging. The sterilized device can then be stored in a sterile package. The sealed package keeps the device sterile until it is opened in a medical facility.

[0076] It is advantageous to carry out the sterilization of the device. This can be accomplished using any method known to those skilled in the art, including beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide or steam sterilization, as well as other methods.

[0077] Although the present invention has been described by means of a description of several embodiments, and illustrative embodiments have been described in more detail, the intention of the applicant is not to limit in any way the scope of the appended claims to such details. Additional benefits and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a significant improvement over prior stapling methods that require different staple sizes to be used in a single cartridge to obtain staples that have differing formed (final) heights.

[0078] Accordingly, the present disclosure has been discussed with reference to endoscopic procedures and devices. However, the term "endoscopic" as used herein should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure to a surgical stapling and cutting device, for use only in conjunction with an endoscopic tube (i.e., a tricellor). On the contrary, it is believed that the present disclosure may be applicable to any procedure in which access is limited, including, but not limited to, laparoscopic procedures as well as open procedures. In addition, the unique and novel aspects of the various embodiments of the staple cartridge of the present disclosure may be applicable when combined with other forms of stapling devices,

26927 / EP / 17

EP 2 561 813