Surgical instrument with modular end effector and detection feature

Abstract

An apparatus comprises a handle assembly, a first transmission assembly, and a second transmission assembly. The first transmission assembly is in selective communication with the handle assembly and is operable to deliver energy to a surgical site. The second transmission assembly is in selective communication with the handle assembly and is operable to deliver energy to a surgical site. The first transmission assembly and the second transmission assembly are operable in different modalities, such as ultrasonic and RF electrosurgical modalities, using the same handle assembly.

1 . An apparatus comprising:
 (a) a handle assembly;   (b) a first transmission assembly in selective communication with the handle assembly, wherein the first transmission assembly is operable to deliver energy to a surgical site; and   (c) a second transmission assembly in selective communication with the handle assembly, wherein the second transmission assembly is operable to deliver energy to a surgical site, wherein the first transmission assembly and the second transmission assembly are configured to operate in different modalities.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first transmission assembly is configured to deliver ultrasonic energy, wherein the second transmission assembly is configured to deliver RF energy. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first transmission assembly comprises an identification device. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the identification device comprises at least one interrupted contact. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the handle assembly comprises a controller board operable to communicate with the first transmission assembly. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the handle assembly is configured to receive bipolar and monopolar RF transmission assemblies. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first transmission assembly comprises a memory module. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the memory module is configured to receive updatable firmware. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the memory module is configured to transmit instructions to the handle assembly. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a third transmission assembly in selective communication with the handle assembly, wherein the third transmission assembly is configured to deliver a plurality of staples to a surgical site. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the handle assembly comprises a generator having a programmable chip operable to store instructions regarding operating the handle assembly with different modalities. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the handle assembly comprises an opening operable to receive an electrode of a monopolar transmission assembly. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising an amplifier in communication with the handle assembly. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , further comprising a reconstruction filter in communication with the amplifier. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the reconstruction filter is operable to provide pulse width modulation. 
     
     
         16 . An apparatus comprising:
 (a) a handle assembly comprising a generator, a power source, and a connector port; and   (b) at least one transmission assembly, wherein the at least one transmission assembly is in selective communication with the handle assembly, wherein the at least one transmission assembly is configured to operate in at least one modality, wherein the handle assembly is configured to operate with the least one transmission assembly regardless of the modality of the at least one transmission assembly.   
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the at least one transmission assembly is configured to deliver RF energy. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the at least one transmission assembly is configured to deliver ultrasonic energy. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the at least one transmission assembly is in selective communication with the generator, wherein the generator is configured to automatically disconnect from the at least one transmission assembly if the handle assembly detects that the at least one transmission assembly comprises a monopolar transmission assembly. 
     
     
         20 . An apparatus comprising:
 (a) a handle configured for use with one or more transmission assemblies;   (b) a generator contained within the handle, wherein the generator is configured to deliver power to the one or more transmission assemblies; and   (c) an identification device in communication with the handle, wherein the identification device is configured to determine the modality of the one or more transmission assemblies.