Pneumatically powered surgical cutting and fastening instrument with audible and visual feedback features
US7441684B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 2, 2006 |
| Grant date | Oct 28, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 27, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF17C2270/0545
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A surgical instrument for use in connection with a pneumatically powered tool having a firing mechanism operably supported therein that is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position. A pneumatically powered drive system operably communicates with the pneumatically powered tool and is configured to selectively apply at least a firing force to the firing mechanism of the pneumatically powered tool of sufficient magnitude to cause the firing mechanism to move from the unactuated position to the actuated position in response to a flow of gas from a source of gas that is fluidically coupled to the pneumatically powered drive system. At least one feedback device communicates with the pneumatically powered drive system for providing feedback concerning at least one of:(a) the magnitude of the firing force as the pneumatically powered drive system moves the firing mechanism from the unactuated to actuated position; and(b) a relative position of the firing mechanism as the firing mechanism is moved between the unactuated and actuated positions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.