Surgical instrument with multiple interface configurations

A surgical instrument for use by an operator in a surgical procedure, said surgical instrument comprising:

• an interface comprising a plurality of operational controls;
• an elongate shaft;
• an end effector extending distally from said elongate shaft;
• and
• a control system, comprising:
• a processor;
• and
• a memory coupled to said processor to store program instructions, which when executed from said memory cause said processor to toggle said interface between a primary interface configuration and a secondary interface configuration, wherein said plurality of operational controls are configured to perform operational functions while said interface is in said primary interface configuration, wherein said plurality of operational controls are configured to perform navigational functions while said interface is in said secondary interface configuration, wherein said navigational functions are related to said operational functions.

A surgical instrument for use by an operator in a surgical procedure, said surgical instrument comprising:

• an elongate shaft;
• an end effector extending distally from said elongate shaft, said end effector comprising a staple cartridge, said staple cartridge including a plurality of staples movable between an unfired configuration and a fired configuration;
• a firing mechanism configured to move said plurality of staples to said fired configuration;
• an interface comprising a touchscreen, wherein said touchscreen comprises a firing icon;
• and
• a control system, comprising:
• a processor;
• and
• a memory coupled to said processor to store program instructions, which when executed from said memory cause said processor to detect a firing input signal generated when the operator selects said firing icon, wherein said program instructions, when executed from said memory, cause said processor to respond to said detection of said firing input signal by activating said firing mechanism to move said plurality of staples to said fired configuration.

A surgical assembly, comprising,

• a surgical instrument for use by an operator in a surgical procedure, said surgical instrument comprising:
• a handle assembly comprising a primary interface, said primary interface comprising a plurality of primary controls;
• an elongate shaft extending distally from said handle assembly;
• and
• an end effector extending distally from said elongate shaft, wherein said plurality of primary controls are manually operable to actuate said end effector;
• and
• a remote operating unit comprising a secondary interface, said secondary interface comprising a plurality of secondary controls, wherein said plurality of secondary controls are operable to remotely actuate said end effector.