# US 11,896,279 B2 · Surgical modular energy system with footer module

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- Number: US 11,896,279 B2
- Document ID: US11896279B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 16/562,185
- Filed: 2019-09-05
- Published: 2020-03-12
- Granted: 2024-02-13
- Earliest claimed: 2018-09-07
- Assignees: Cilag GmbH International
- Applicants: Cilag GmbH International
- Inventors: Ryan M. Asher; Eitan T. Wiener; John B. Schulte
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11896279B2

## CPC

- A61B 18/00: Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body (eye surgery A61F9/007; ear surgery A61F11/00)
- A61B 17/072: for applying a row of staples in a single action, e.g. the staples being applied simultaneously
- A61B 17/320068: {using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic (A61B17/22012 takes precedence; dental tooth drilling devices operated by vibration A61C3/03; removing intra-ocular material using mechanical vibrations A61F9/00745)}
- A61B 17/320092: {with additional movable means for clamping or cutting tissue, e.g. with a pivoting jaw}
- A61B 18/12: by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
- A61B 18/1206: {Generators therefor}
- A61B 18/1233: {with circuits for assuring patient safety}
- A61B 18/14: Probes or electrodes therefor
- A61B 18/1442: {Probes having pivoting end effectors, e.g. forceps}
- A61B 18/1445: {at the distal end of a shaft, e.g. forceps or scissors at the end of a rigid rod}
- A61B 18/16: Indifferent or passive electrodes for grounding
- A61B 34/20: Surgical navigation systems; Devices for tracking or guiding surgical instruments, e.g. for frameless stereotaxis
- A61B 34/25: {User interfaces for surgical systems}
- A61B 34/35: for telesurgery
- A61B 34/74: {Manipulators with manual electric input means}
- A61B 50/13: Trolleys{, e.g. carts}
- A61B 50/22: Racks
- A61B 90/361: {Image-producing devices, e.g. surgical cameras}
- A61B 90/90: Identification means for patients or instruments, e.g. tags
- A61B 90/98: using electromagnetic means, e.g. transponders
- G06F 8/65: Updates (security arrangements therefor G06F21/57)
- G16H 20/40: relating to mechanical, radiation or invasive therapies, e.g. surgery, laser therapy, dialysis or acupuncture
- G16H 40/63: for local operation
- H01R 43/26: for engaging or disengaging the two parts of a coupling device (structural association with two-part coupling device H01R13/629)
- H04B 5/72: for local intradevice communication
- H04L 49/25: Routing or path finding in a switch fabric
- H04L 63/0227: {Filtering policies (mail message filtering H04L51/212)}
- H04L 63/0245: {Filtering by information in the payload}
- H04L 67/10: in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network (software deployment G06F8/60; multiprogramming arrangements G06F9/46)
- H04L 67/12: specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
- H04L 67/52: specially adapted for the location of the user terminal
- H04M 1/72406: by software upgrading or downloading
- H05K 5/30: Side-by-side or stacked arrangements
- A61B 5/021: Measuring pressure in heart or blood vessels
- A61B 17/00: Surgical instruments, devices or methods (A61B18/00 takes precedence; dental tools A61C3/00; eye surgery A61F9/007; ear surgery A61F11/20)
- A61B 17/07207: {the staples being applied sequentially}
- A61B 34/30: Surgical robots
- A61B 34/37: Leader-follower robots (A61B34/35 takes precedence)
- A61B 34/76: {Manipulators having means for providing feel, e.g. force or tactile feedback}
- A61B 50/24: Stands (Mayo stands A61B50/15)
- A61B 90/30: Devices for illuminating a surgical field, the devices having an interrelation with other surgical devices or with a surgical procedure
- A61B 90/37: {Surgical systems with images on a monitor during operation}
- A61B 2017/00017: {Electrical control of surgical instruments}
- A61B 2017/00026: {Conductivity or impedance, e.g. of tissue}
- A61B 2017/00119: {alarm; indicating an abnormal situation}
- A61B 2017/00123: {and automatic shutdown}
- A61B 2017/00194: {Means for setting or varying the repetition rate}
- A61B 2017/00199: {with a console, e.g. a control panel with a display}
- A61B 2017/00221: {with wireless transmission of data, e.g. by infrared radiation or radiowaves}
- A61B 2017/00225: {Systems for controlling multiple different instruments, e.g. microsurgical systems}
- A61B 2017/00367: {Details of actuation of instruments, e.g. relations between pushing buttons, or the like, and activation of the tool, working tip, or the like}
- A61B 2017/00398: {using powered actuators, e.g. stepper motors, solenoids}
- A61B 2017/00477: {Coupling (A61B2017/0046 takes precedence)}
- A61B 2017/00482: {with a code}
- A61B 2017/00526: {Methods of manufacturing}
- A61B 2017/00734: {battery operated}
- A61B 2017/00973: {pedal-operated}
- A61B 2017/07257: {characterised by its anvil}
- A61B 2017/07271: {characterised by its cartridge}
- A61B 2017/07285: {characterised by its cutter}
- A61B 2017/320074: {blade}
- A61B 2018/00178: {Electrical connectors}
- A61B 2018/00208: {actively driven, e.g. by a motor}
- A61B 2018/00589: {Coagulation}
- A61B 2018/00601: {Cutting}
- A61B 2018/00613: {Irreversible electroporation}
- A61B 2018/00619: {Welding}
- A61B 2018/0063: {Sealing}
- A61B 2018/00642: {with feedback, i.e. closed loop control}
- A61B 2018/00672: {lower}
- A61B 2018/00702: {Power or energy}
- A61B 2018/00708: {switching the power on or off}
- A61B 2018/0072: {Current}
- A61B 2018/00732: {Frequency}
- A61B 2018/00755: {Resistance or impedance}
- A61B 2018/00767: {Voltage}
- A61B 2018/00779: {Power or energy}
- A61B 2018/00827: {Current}
- A61B 2018/00839: {Bioelectrical parameters, e.g. ECG, EEG}
- A61B 2018/00845: {Frequency}
- A61B 2018/00875: {Resistance or impedance}
- A61B 2018/00892: {Voltage}
- A61B 2018/00898: {Alarms or notifications created in response to an abnormal condition}
- A61B 2018/00916: {with means for switching or controlling the main function of the instrument or device}
- A61B 2018/0094: {Types of switches or controllers}
- A61B 2018/00958: {for switching between different working modes of the main function}
- A61B 2018/00994: {combining two or more different kinds of non-mechanical energy or combining one or more non-mechanical energies with ultrasound}
- A61B 2018/1226: {powered by a battery}
- A61B 2018/124: {switching the output to different electrodes, e.g. sequentially}
- A61B 2018/1253: {monopolar}
- A61B 2018/126: {bipolar}
- A61B 2018/1266: {with DC current output}
- A61B 2018/1273: {including multiple generators in one device}
- A61B 2018/128: {generating two or more frequencies}
- A61B 2018/1286: {having a specific transformer}
- A61B 2018/1293: {having means to prevent interference}
- A61B 2018/1452: {including means for cutting (A61B2018/146 takes precedence)}
- A61B 2018/1455: {having a moving blade for cutting tissue grasped by the jaws}
- A61B 2018/165: {Multiple indifferent electrodes}
- A61B 2034/2046: {Tracking techniques}
- A61B 2034/2048: {using an accelerometer or inertia sensor}
- A61B 2034/2051: {Electromagnetic tracking systems}
- A61B 2034/2055: {Optical tracking systems}
- A61B 2034/2059: {Mechanical position encoders}
- A61B 2034/256: {having a database of accessory information, e.g. including context sensitive help or scientific articles}
- A61B 2034/301: {for introducing or steering flexible instruments inserted into the body, e.g. catheters or endoscopes}
- A61B 2034/302: {specifically adapted for manipulations within body cavities, e.g. within abdominal or thoracic cavities}
- A61B 2034/305: {Details of wrist mechanisms at distal ends of robotic arms}
- A61B 2034/742: {Joysticks}
- A61B 2034/743: {Keyboards}
- A61B 2034/744: {Mouse}
- A61B 2090/061: {for measuring dimensions, e.g. length}
- A61B 2090/064: {for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension}
- A61B 2090/065: {for measuring contact or contact pressure}
- A61B 2090/066: {for measuring torque}
- A61B 2090/0804: {Counting number of instruments used; Instrument detectors}
- A61B 2090/0805: {automatically, e.g. by means of magnetic, optical or photoelectric detectors}
- A61B 2090/0818: {Redundant systems, e.g. using two independent measuring systems and comparing the signals}
- A61B 2090/371: {with simultaneous use of two cameras}
- A61B 2090/378: {using ultrasound}
- A61B 2217/005: with suction drainage system
- A61B 2217/007: with irrigation system
- A61B 2218/002: Irrigation
- A61B 2218/006: for smoke evacuation
- A61B 2218/007: Aspiration
- A61B 2218/008: for smoke evacuation
- A61B 2560/0443: Modular apparatus
- A61B 2560/0456: Apparatus provided with a docking unit
- H01R 2201/12: for medicine and surgery
- H04L 27/04: Modulator circuits; Transmitter circuits
- H05K 5/0026: {provided with connectors and printed circuit boards [PCB], e.g. automotive electronic control units}
- H05K 5/0065: {wherein modules are associated together, e.g. electromechanical assemblies, modular structures}
- H05K 7/023: {Stackable modules}
- Y02D 30/70: in wireless communication networks
- Y04S 40/18: Network protocols supporting networked applications, e.g. including control of end-device applications over a network
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)
- G06F: ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING (computer systems based on specific computational models G06N)
- G16H: HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- H01R: ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H04B: TRANSMISSION
- H04L: TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION (arrangements common to telegraphic and telephonic communication H04M)
- H04M: TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION (circuits for controlling other apparatus via a telephone cable and not involving telephone switching apparatus G08)
- H05K: PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- Y02D: CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES [ICT], I.E. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES AIMING AT THE REDUCTION OF THEIR OWN ENERGY USE
- Y04S: SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS

## Abstract

A modular surgical system for use in a surgical procedure to treat tissue is disclosed. The modular surgical system includes a footer module including a power supply, a first surgical module configured to be stacked on top of the footer module, and a second surgical module configured to be stacked on top of the first surgical module. The first surgical module is detachably couplable to the footer module to receive power from the power supply of the footer module to generate a first therapeutic energy for delivery to the tissue. The second surgical module is detachably couplable to the first surgical module to receive power from the power supply of the footer module to generate a second therapeutic energy for delivery to the tissue.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A modular surgical system for use in a surgical procedure to treat tissue, the modular surgical system comprising:
a footer module comprising a power supply;
a first surgical module configured to be stacked on top of the footer module, wherein the first surgical module is detachably couplable to the footer module to receive power from the power supply of the footer module to generate a first therapeutic energy for delivery to the tissue; and
a second surgical module configured to be stacked on top of the first surgical module, wherein the second surgical module is detachably couplable to the first surgical module to receive power from the power supply of the footer module to generate a second therapeutic energy for delivery to the tissue.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The modular surgical system of claim 1, wherein the footer module comprises an enclosure configured to be placed upon a work surface, and wherein the power supply is housed in the enclosure.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The modular surgical system of claim 1, wherein the footer module comprises:
a base;
a column extending from the base; and
a tray detachably couplable to the first surgical module.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The modular surgical system of claim 1, further comprising a segmented power backplane configured to deliver the power from the power supply to the second surgical module through the first surgical module.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The modular surgical system of claim 1, wherein the first surgical module comprises an energy port couplable to a surgical instrument.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The modular surgical system of claim 5, wherein the energy port is selected from a group consisting of: a monopolar energy port, a bipolar energy port, and an advanced energy port.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The modular surgical system of claim 6, wherein the energy port is a first energy port, wherein the second surgical module comprises a second energy port configured to support a different energy modality than the first energy port.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The modular surgical system of claim 1, further comprising a segmented communication backplane.

### Claim 9

A modular surgical system, comprising:
a footer module comprising a power supply;
a first surgical module without an independent power supply, wherein the first surgical module is configured to be stacked on top of the footer module;
a second surgical module without an independent power supply, wherein the second surgical module is configured to be stacked on top of the first surgical module; and
a segmented power backplane configured to deliver power from the power supply to the second surgical module through the first surgical module.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The modular surgical system of claim 9, wherein the footer module comprises an enclosure configured to be placed upon a work surface.

### Claim 11 (depends on 10)

The modular surgical system of claim 10, wherein the power supply is housed in the enclosure.

### Claim 12 (depends on 9)

The modular surgical system of claim 9, wherein the footer module comprises:
a base;
a column extending from the base; and
a tray detachably couplable to the first surgical module.

### Claim 13 (depends on 9)

The modular surgical system of claim 9, wherein the first surgical module comprises an energy port couplable to a surgical instrument.

### Claim 14 (depends on 13)

The modular surgical system of claim 13, wherein the energy port is selected from a group consisting of: a monopolar energy port, a bipolar energy port, and an advanced energy port.

### Claim 15 (depends on 14)

The modular surgical system of claim 14, wherein the energy port is a first energy port, wherein the second surgical module comprises a second energy port configured to support a different energy modality than the first energy port.

### Claim 16 (depends on 9)

The modular surgical system of claim 9, further comprising a segmented communication backplane.

### Claim 17

A modular surgical system, comprising:
a footer module, comprising:
a housing;
a power supply stored in the housing; and
a support extending from the housing;
a first surgical module without an independent power supply, wherein the first surgical module is configured to be stacked on top of the footer module;
a second surgical module without an independent power supply, wherein the second surgical module is configured to be stacked on top of the first surgical module; and
a segmented power backplane configured to deliver power from the power supply to the second surgical module through the first surgical module.

### Claim 18 (depends on 17)

The modular surgical system of claim 17, wherein the footer module comprises an enclosure configured to be placed upon a work surface.

### Claim 19 (depends on 18)

The modular surgical system of claim 18, wherein the power supply is housed in the enclosure.

### Claim 20 (depends on 17)

The modular surgical system of claim 17, wherein the support comprises:
a base;
a column extending from the base; and
a tray detachably couplable to the first surgical module.