Disposable loading unit with user feedback features and surgical instrument for use therewith

US7913891B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Kevin R. Doll · Mason, US
• Joshua R. Uth · Mason, US
• Charles J. Scheib · Loveland, US
• Geoffrey C. Hueil · Cincinnati, US
• Mark S. Ortiz · Milford, US
• Douglas B. Hoffman · Cadiz, US
• Patrick A. Weizman · Monroe, US
• Dean B. Bruewer · Lancaster, US
• Gregory B. Blair · Cincinnati, US
• Frederick E. Shelton, IV · Hillsboro, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 14, 2008
• Grant date: Mar 29, 2011
• Expiry date: Feb 1, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/0811
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A disposable loading unit for operable attachment to a surgical stapling apparatus. The disposable loading unit may have a spent cartridge indication system for providing an indication of whether the loading unit has been previously fired. Other embodiments are disclosed that employ a blade monitoring system for providing feedback to the user concerning the amount of strain being experienced by the blade during cutting and stapling.