Patent ID: 8864761
Filing Date: 2014-10-21
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A system for identifying a target anatomical structure having a fluid flow therein, comprising: at least one surgical device including a pair of opposing jaw members movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp the target anatomical structure, the at least one surgical device including a sensor assembly operably coupled to a processing unit, the sensor assembly including a transmitting electrode disposed on one of the jaw members and configured to transmit at least one electrical signal generated by the processing unit through the target anatomical structure to elicit a measurable response from the target anatomical structure, the sensor assembly including a receiving electrode disposed on the other of the jaw members and configured to receive the measurable response from the target anatomical structure, the processing unit configured to determine a pressure range applied by the pair of jaw members to the target anatomical structure for eliciting the measurable response by: the processing unit configured to calculate a signature property value of the target anatomical structure based on the measurable response, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine an identity of the target anatomical structure based on a comparison between the signature property value and at least one other signature property value; and an indicator operably coupled to the processing unit and configured to alert a user of the identity of the target anatomical structure.