Surgical instrument with charging devices

Abstract

A surgical instrument includes a first power source and a second power source. The first power source is configured to deliver power to a surgical instrument at a first rate of discharge. The second power source is configured to deliver power to the first power source at a second rate of discharge. The first power source and the second power source are positioned within the surgical instrument. The first power source and the second power source are further configured to communicate with a control module. The control module may rely on power from the first power source to drive an end effector of the surgical instrument. The end effector may comprise a harmonic/ultrasonic blade, RF electrosurgical electrodes, powered cutting/stapling features, and/or various other types of components.

1 . An apparatus comprising:
 (a) a surgical instrument;   (b) a first power source in communication with the surgical instrument, wherein the first power source is configured to deliver power to the surgical instrument, wherein the first power source is operable to be placed in the surgical instrument such that at least a portion of the first power source is contained within the surgical instrument, wherein the first power source has a first discharge rate;   (c) a second power source in communication with the first power source, wherein the second power source is configured to deliver power to the first power source, wherein the second power source has a second discharge rate; and   (d) a control module, wherein the first power source and the second power source are operable to communicate with the control module, wherein the control module is operable to use the second power source to charge the first power source.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first power source comprises a super capacitor. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a visual indicator operable to show the charge status of the first power source. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first discharge rate is faster than the second discharge rate. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a switch operable to trigger the delivery of power to the first power source. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second power source is configured to continually deliver power to the first power source. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first power source and the second power source are sealed within the surgical instrument. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the surgical instrument comprises a battery door configured to allow the second power source to be removed from the surgical instrument. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a switch configured to control the delivery of power to the first power source, wherein the switch is positioned on the surgical instrument proximate to a handle assembly of the surgical instrument. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second power source is configured to provide power for the surgical instrument. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the first power source is configured to supplement the power provided by the second power source. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the first power source is configured to be charged by excess power discharge of the second power source. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the surgical instrument comprises an ultrasonic surgical instrument having a harmonic blade and an ultrasonic transducer in communication with at least the first power source. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first power source comprises a rechargeable lithium ion battery. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the surgical instrument comprises an RF electrosurgical instrument. 
     
     
         16 . An apparatus comprising:
 (a) a surgical instrument configured to deliver energy to tissue;   (b) a first power source in communication with the surgical instrument, wherein the first power source is operable to deliver power to the surgical instrument, wherein the first power source is configured to deliver power to the surgical instrument at a high rate of discharge; and   (c) a second power source in communication with the surgical instrument, wherein the second power source is operable to deliver power to the first power source, wherein the second power source is configured to deliver power at a lower rate of discharge than the first power source, wherein the surgical instrument is configured to hold the first power source and the second power source.   
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the first power source comprises a super capacitor. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the second power source is further operable to deliver power to the surgical instrument, wherein the surgical instrument has a first power demand state, a second power demand state, and a third power demand state,
 wherein the second power source is operable to charge the first power source when the surgical instrument is in the first power demand state,   wherein the second power source is operable to simultaneously charge the first power source and deliver power to the surgical instrument when the surgical instrument is in the second power demand state, and   wherein the second power source and the first power source are operable to both deliver power to the surgical instrument when the surgical instrument is in the third power demand state.   
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the surgical instrument comprises a power source door, wherein the second power source is removable through the power source door. 
     
     
         20 . A method for delivering power to a surgical instrument using a first power source and a second power source, wherein the first power source is configured to deliver power to the surgical instrument at a high rate of discharge, wherein the second power source is configured to deliver power to the first power source, wherein the surgical instrument comprises a switch operable to control the delivery of power from the second power source to the first power source, the method comprising:
 (a) actuating the switch to transfer power from the second power source to the first power source;   (b) powering the surgical instrument with the first power source;   (c) operating the surgical instrument;   (d) determining that the first power source requires additional power; and   (e) transferring power from the second power source to the first power source to continue operating the surgical instrument.