User feedback through handpiece of surgical instrument

US9364279B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Kevin L. Houser · Springboro, US
• William D. Dannaher · Cincinnati, US
• Timothy G. Dietz · Wayne, US
• Foster B. Stulen · Mason, US
• Frederick E. Shelton, IV · Hillsboro, US
• David C. Yates · Morrow, US
• Barry C. Worrell · Maineville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 19, 2011
• Grant date: Jun 14, 2016
• Expiry date: Jun 6, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/53913
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A surgical instrument includes a handpiece having a user input feature and a user feedback feature. A shaft assembly extends distally from the handpiece. An end effector is disposed at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The end effector includes an active feature responsive to actuation of the user input feature. The active feature is operable to operate on tissue in response to actuation of the user input feature. The user feedback feature is operable to provide feedback to the user that indicates information relating to operation of the end effector. The feedback may include haptic, visual, and/or auditory feedback.