Surgical end effectors with firing element monitoring arrangements
US9844369B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 2014 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 20, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/309
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A surgical end effector including an elongate channel configured to operably support a staple cartridge therein and a firing element configured to move within the elongate channel between a starting and an ending position. Various arrangements include openings through the bottom of the elongate channel to permit viewing of the firing element as it moves between the starting and ending positions. An anvil may be supported for movable travel relative to the elongate channel and include a plurality of openings therethrough to permit viewing of the cutting element as it moves between the starting and ending positions. Various arrangements include a firing bar attached to the firing element that serves to move the firing element between the starting and ending position. The firing bar may be movably supported with a hollow shaft that has a plurality of openings therethrough for monitoring the position of the firing bar.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.