×

Methods and systems for detecting clamping or firing failure

  • US 9,226,750 B2
  • Filed: 01/13/2012
  • Issued: 01/05/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/15/2011
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. An apparatus comprising:

  • an end effector having a first jaw and a second jaw for clamping a material, and a staple for stapling the material clamped between the first and second jaws;

    a drive system operatively coupled to the end effector such that driving an actuator of the drive system actuates the end effector for either a surgical or non-surgical method, wherein the drive system moves the first jaw toward the second jaw so as to clamp the material between the jaws such that a clamping force is applied, and wherein the drive system is coupled to the staple such that driving the actuator to staple produces a firing force so as to fire the staple into the material clamped between the first and second jaws;

    a sensor for monitoring a drive parameter of the drive system when the actuator induces the clamping force, the firing force, or both the clamping force and the firing force;

    a processor which continuously monitors the drive parameter of the drive system and compares the drive parameter to an acceptable range of drive parameters as the drive system drives the jaws to clamp at a desired clamping force; and

    a user interface having an indicator for indicating success or failure of clamping or firing, wherein the indicator is of failure when the drive parameter during clamping is outside of an acceptable range of desired drive parameters for clamping or when the drive parameter during firing is outside an acceptable range of desired drive parameters for firing.

View all claims
  • 2 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×