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Laparoscopic clamp load measuring devices

  • US 10,398,433 B2
  • Filed: 11/21/2014
  • Issued: 09/03/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/28/2007
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An end effector for use with a surgical instrument, said end effector comprising:

  • a first jaw;

    a second jaw, wherein said first jaw and said second jaw are configured to clamp tissue in response to a closing motion applied to said first jaw to move said first jaw between an open position, a partially clamped position, and a fully clamped position;

    a strain gauge configured to generate a first strain reading and a final strain reading as the tissue is clamped;

    a central processing unit configured to calculate thickness of the tissue by comparing said first strain reading and said final strain reading; and

    a cartridge comprising;

    a cartridge body configured to be removably supported in said second jaw and defining a cartridge deck surface; and

    a protrusion extending from said cartridge deck surface wherein an end of said protrusion comprises a single point on said cartridge body that is closest to said first jaw to focus a load applied to said cartridge toward said strain gauge.

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