Surgical instrument with tissue density sensing

US10653437B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon, Inc. · US

Inventors

• William D. Dannaher · Cincinnati, US
• Daniel W. Price · Loveland, US
• Cory G. Kimball · Cincinnati, US
• William D. Kelly · Mason, US
• Sora Rhee · Cincinnati, US
• Jacob S. Gee · Cincinnati, US
• Brian D. Bertke · Stanton, US
• Alissa L. Welling · Cincinnati, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 26, 2017
• Grant date: May 19, 2020
• Expiry date: May 31, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/065
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus comprises an end effector, a body assembly, a power source, and a control module. The end effector is operable for use in a surgical procedure and can deliver energy to a surgical site. The end effector comprises at least one sensor. The sensor is able to measure at least one physical characteristic associated with the surgical site. The body assembly is in communication with the end effector. The power source is in communication with the body assembly and is operable to deliver power to the end effector. The control module is in communication with the sensor and is operable to change delivery of power to the end effector based on data from the sensor indicating a change in tissue density.