Ultrasonic surgical instrument with replaceable blade having identification feature

A surgical instrument, comprising:

• (a) a replaceable end effector portion comprising a set of indicia on a surface of the replaceable end effector, wherein the set of indicia are configured to store a unique identifier;
• (b) a shaft assembly configured to couple with the replaceable end effector portion;
• (c) an optical reader configured to receive the unique identifier from the set of indicia;
• and
• (d) a use control module comprising a processor configured to:
• (i) receive the unique identifier from the optical reader,
• (ii) determine whether the replaceable end effector portion is usable based on the unique identifier, and
• (iii) enable operation of the replaceable end effector portion when it is usable.

A method of tracking use of a replaceable end effector portion of a surgical instrument, comprising:

• (a) reading a set of indicia from a surface of the replaceable end effector portion with an optical reader;
• (b) determining a unique identifier associated with the replaceable end effector portion based on the set of indicia;
• (c) receiving the unique identifier from the optical reader via a use control module having a processor;
• (d) determining whether the replaceable end effector portion is usable based on the unique identifier;
• (e) when the replaceable end effector portion is usable, enabling operation of a shaft assembly that is configured to couple with and operate the replaceable end effector portion;
• (f) coupling the replaceable end effector portion to the shaft assembly;
• and
• (g) rendering the set of indicia unreadable to indicate use of the surgical instrument.

A surgical instrument, comprising:

• (a) a shaft assembly configured to couple with a proximal end of a replaceable end effector portion, wherein the shaft assembly comprises a projecting portion;
• (b) a cartridge configured to:
• (i) engage and carry a distal end of the replaceable end effector portion, and
• (ii) be gripped while coupling the proximal end of the replaceable end effector portion to the shaft assembly,
• wherein the cartridge comprises a set of indicia configured to store a unique identifier, wherein the cartridge is further configured to contact the projecting portion when the replaceable end effector portion is coupled to the shaft assembly and render the set of indicia unreadable;
• (c) an optical reader configured to receive the unique identifier from the set of indicia;
• and
• (d) a use control module comprising a processor configured to:
• (i) receive the unique identifier from the optical reader,
• (ii) determine whether the replaceable end effector portion is usable based on the unique identifier, and
• (iii) enable operation of the replaceable end effector portion when it is usable.