Surgical instrument with feedback at end effector
First Claim
1. An apparatus for operating on tissue, the apparatus comprising:
- (a) a body configured to mechanically couple with a portion of an end effector;
(b) a lip in communication with the body, wherein the lip is configured to grip a portion of the end effector; and
(c) at least one electrode in communication with the body, wherein the at least one electrode is configured to weld at least a portion of tissue using electrical energy.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for operating on tissue includes a body, a lip in communication with the body, and at least one electrode also in communication with the body. The body is able to mechanically couple with a portion of an end effector, which may be controlled by a user through a handpiece. The lip is configured to grip a portion of the end effector. The at least one electrode is configured to provide sufficient electrical energy to weld at least a portion of tissue. In some versions, a temperature sensitive material may be positioned on a portion of the end effector. Additionally, in some versions, the handpiece of the end effector may comprise feedback features able to convey information to the user.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus for operating on tissue, the apparatus comprising:
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(a) a body configured to mechanically couple with a portion of an end effector; (b) a lip in communication with the body, wherein the lip is configured to grip a portion of the end effector; and (c) at least one electrode in communication with the body, wherein the at least one electrode is configured to weld at least a portion of tissue using electrical energy. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An apparatus comprising:
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(a) a handpiece; (b) an end effector in communication with the handpiece, wherein the end effector comprises a first and second jaw, wherein the end effector is configured to clamp, cut, and seal tissue; and (c) an energy sensitive region, wherein the energy sensitive region is positioned on a portion of the end effector, wherein the energy sensitive region is configured to alter the energy sensitive region'"'"'s visual appearance in response to the application of energy to the end effector. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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19. An apparatus comprising:
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(a) a handpiece; (b) an end effector in communication with the handpiece, wherein the end effector is configured to clamp and cut tissue; (c) a feedback controller in communication with the end effector, wherein the feedback controller is configured to detect at least one aspect of the end effector; and (d) a signal device in communication with the feedback controller, wherein the signal device is configured to inform a user of a change in the at least one aspect of the end effector, wherein the signal device is positioned within the handpiece. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification