Patent ID: 7441684
Filing Date: 2008-10-28
Classification: A61B,F17C

Abstract:
1. A surgical instrument for use in connection with a pneumatically powered tool having a firing mechanism operably supported therein that is movable between an unactuated position and an actuated position, said surgical instrument comprising: a handle assembly operably couplable to the pneumatically powered tool; a pneumatically powered drive system at least partially supported by said handle assembly and operably communicating with the pneumatically powered tool, said pneumatically powered drive system being configured to selectively apply at least a firing force to the firing mechanism of the pneumatically powered tool of sufficient magnitude to cause the firing mechanism to move from the unactuated position to the actuated position in response to a flow of gas from a source of gas fluidically coupled to said pneumatically powered drive system; and at least one feedback device operably supported by said handle assembly and communicating with said pneumatically powered drive system for providing feedback concerning: (a) the magnitude of said firing force as said pneumatically powered drive system moves the firing mechanism from the unactuated to actuated position; and (b) a relative position of the firing mechanism as the firing mechanism is pneumatically moved between the unactuated and actuated positions.