Partitioned surgical instrument

Abstract

A surgical instrument includes a reusable component and a disposable component selectively separable from and engagable with the reusable component. The disposable component includes an end effector and a mechanical actuator operable to induce mechanical movement of the end effector. The reusable component is configured for providing electrosurgical energy to the disposable component when engaged with the disposable component. A physical mating feature is configured to maintain engagement between the reusable and disposable components when the reusable and disposable components are engaged, and an electrical mating feature is configured to transmit electrical energy between the disposable and reusable components when the disposable and reusable components are engaged. All mechanical motion resulting from operation of the mechanical actuator may be contained within the disposable component.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A surgical instrument, comprising:
 a first component including a housing having an elongated shaft extending therefrom with an end effector assembly attached to a distal end thereof;   a second component selectively separable from and engagable with the first component;   a magnetic, mechanical engagement feature operably associated with at least one of the first or second components, the magnetic, mechanical engagement feature configured to mechanically align and mate with one or more corresponding engagement features disposed on the other of the at least one of the first or second components; and   an electrical mating feature operably associated with at least one of the first or second components and adapted to communicate with a generator to provide an indication of proper engagement between the first and second components.   
     
     
         20 . The surgical instrument according to  claim 19  further comprising a cable operatively associated with the surgical instrument, the cable having a cable connector adapted to electrically and mechanically connect to an electrosurgical energy source, the cable connector having one or more prongs and at least one electrical coupling configured to communicate electrical signals between the generator and first and second components. 
     
     
         21 . A surgical instrument, comprising:
 a first component including a housing having an elongated shaft extending therefrom with an end effector assembly attached to a distal end thereof;   a second component selectively separable from and engagable with the first component;   a magnetic, mechanical engagement feature operably associated with the first component, the magnetic, mechanical engagement configured to mechanically align and mate with one or more corresponding engagement features disposed on the second component; and   an electrical mating feature operably associated with the first component and adapted to communicate with a generator to provide an indication of proper engagement between the first and second components.   
     
     
         22 . The surgical instrument according to  claim 21  further comprising a cable operatively associated with the surgical instrument, the cable having a cable connector adapted to electrically and mechanically connect to an electrosurgical energy source, the cable connector having one or more prongs and at least one electrical coupling configured to communicate electrical signals between the generator and first and second components. 
     
     
         23 . A surgical instrument, comprising:
 a first component including a housing having an elongated shaft extending therefrom with an end effector assembly attached to a distal end thereof;   a second component selectively separable from and engagable with the first component;   cooperating mechanical engagement features disposed on the first and second components and configured for releasable mechanical engagement to there releasably mechanically engage the first and second components with one another;   cooperating magnetic features operably associated with the first and second components and configured to facilitate mechanically alignment of the cooperating mechanical engagement features to thereby facilitate releasable mechanical engagement of the first and second components with one another; and   cooperating electrical features operably associated with the first and second components and adapted to communicate with a generator to provide an indication of proper engagement between the first and second components.