Surgical instrument with stress sensor

US9681884B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. · US

Inventors

• William E. Clem · Bozeman, US
• William D. Dannaher · Cincinnati, US
• Daniel W. Price · Loveland, US
• Cory G. Kimball · Cincinnati, US
• Foster B. Stulen · Mason, US
• Eitan T. Wiener · Cincinnati, US
• John B. Schulte · Sharonville, US
• Danius P. Silkaitus · Seattle, US
• Stephen J. Balek · Springboro, US
• Michael R. Lamping · Cincinnati, US
• Jacqueline C. Aronhalt · Loveland, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 31, 2012
• Grant date: Jun 20, 2017
• Expiry date: Aug 22, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/064
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus includes an end effector, an energy component, a control module, and a directional force sensor assembly associated with the energy component and control module. The directional force assembly can include a piezoelectric disc, a piezoresistive element, an accelerometer, and/or a Hall Effect sensor. The end effector of the apparatus can include ultrasonic blade, an RF electrode, or a staple driving assembly. In some versions, the energy component includes an ultrasonic transducer. The control module may be configured to operate the energy component at a first energy setting in response to a first detected force and at a second energy setting in response to a second detected force. The apparatus may also include an activation feature to be operated by a user. In some versions the piezoelectric disc may include a plurality of segments and may be configured to induce movement in at least part of the energy component.