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Surgical instrument having a feedback system

  • US 8,708,213 B2
  • Filed: 01/31/2006
  • Issued: 04/29/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/31/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A status module for use with a surgical stapler, the surgical stapler comprising an end effector having an anvil, wherein the end effector includes a member movable between a first proximal position and a second distal position relative to the anvil, and wherein the member includes one of a cutting member and a staple deploying member, a plurality of sensors including a first sensor, wherein the first sensor is configured to detect the presence of the member in the first proximal position, and a second sensor, wherein the second sensor is configured to detect the presence of the member in the second distal position, the status module comprising:

  • a housing structured and arranged to releasably connect to the surgical stapler;

    a first contact, wherein the first contact is structured and arranged to be in electrical communication with the first sensor when the housing is connected to the surgical stapler;

    a second contact, wherein the second contact is structured and arranged to be in electrical communication with the second sensor when the housing is connected to the surgical stapler;

    a circuit in electrical communication with at least one of the first and second contacts; and

    a firing progress indicator comprising;

    a first indicator configured to indicate when the member is in the first position; and

    a second indicator configured to indicate when the member is in the second position, wherein at least one of the first and second indicators is in electrical communication with the circuit.

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