STAPLE CARTRIDGE TISSUE THICKNESS SENSOR SYSTEM

摘要

In various embodiments, a surgical end effector is disclosed. The surgical end effector comprises a staple cartridge comprising a proximal end and a distal end. The staple cartridge is configured to be used to staple tissue within an optimal tissue thickness range. An anvil is movably coupled relative to the staple cartridge. A tissue thickness sensing module is located adjacent to the distal end of the staple cartridge. The tissue thickness sensing module comprises a sensor and a controller. The sensor is configured to generate a tissue thickness signal indicative of a thickness of the tissue located between the anvil and the staple cartridge. The controller is in signal communication with the sensor. The controller comprises means for identifying a staple cartridge type. The staple cartridge type and the thickness measurement are used to determine if the thickness of the tissue is within the optimal tissue thickness range.

主权项

1. A surgical end effector for treating tissue, said surgical end effector comprising:
a staple cartridge comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said staple cartridge is configured to be used to staple tissue within an optimal tissue thickness range; an anvil movably coupled relative to said proximal end of said staple cartridge; a tissue thickness sensing module adjacent to said distal end of said staple cartridge, wherein said tissue thickness sensing module comprises:
a sensor configured to generate a tissue thickness signal indicative of a thickness of tissue located between said anvil and said staple cartridge; anda controller in signal communication with said sensor, wherein said controller comprises identifying means for identifying a staple cartridge type, and wherein said staple cartridge type and said tissue thickness signal are used to determine if said thickness is within said optimal tissue thickness range.