Patent · US Active

Sterilizable surgical instrument

US8397971B2 · kind B2 · utility

2,052Cited by
1,208References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 5, 2009
Grant dateMar 19, 2013
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 11, 2029

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61L2202/24
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A surgical instrument including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion can be sterilized separately from the first portion. The first portion can comprise an anvil, a staple cartridge channel and/or staple cartridge, and a movable cutting member. The second portion can comprise electronic components configured to control the surgical instrument and/or record data collected during the use of the surgical instrument. The first portion can be sterilized using a gamma radiation sterilization process while the second portion can be sterilized using a different sterilization process, such as steam, ethylene oxide, ozone, and/or hydrogen peroxide sterilization processes, for example. As a result, the first and second portions can be sterilized separately and delivered in two separate containers. The second portion can be stored within a sealed bag and can include an electrical terminal which can penetrate the bag and communicate with the first portion.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.