Method and apparatus for determining parameters of linear motion in a surgical instrument
US8960520B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 2011 |
| Grant date | Feb 24, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 24, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/067
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A surgical instrument and method of controlling the surgical instrument are disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft that extends distally from the housing and defines a first longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument also includes a firing rod disposed in the elongated shaft and a drive mechanism disposed at least partially within the housing. The drive mechanism mechanically cooperates with the firing rod to move the firing rod. A motion sensor senses a change in the electric field (e.g., capacitance, impedance, or admittance) between the firing rod and the elongated shaft. The measurement unit determines a parameter of the motion of the firing rod, such as the position, speed, and direction of the firing rod, based on the sensed change in the electric field. A controller uses the measured parameter of the motion of the firing rod to control the drive mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.