Patent ID: 12232771

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The force sensors of the present disclosure of, e.g., surgical devices, include electronic components that are protected from harsh environments, such as autowashing and/or autoclaving. The force sensors include a substrate having sensing elements, such as strain gauges and their supporting electronics, mounted therein, which are covered by a seal assembly to create a protective leak-proof barrier to the sensing elements.

Aspects of the present disclosure are now described in detail with reference to the drawings in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. Throughout this description, the term “proximal” refers to a portion of a device, or component thereof, that is closer to a hand of a user, and the term “distal” refers to a portion of the device, or component thereof, that is farther from the hand of the user.

Turning now toFIG.1, a surgical device1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, is in the form of a powered handheld electromechanical instrument. The surgical device1includes a powered handle assembly10, a tool assembly or end effector20, and an adapter assembly30interconnecting the powered handle assembly10and the end effector20. The powered handle assembly10is configured for selective connection with the adapter assembly30and, in turn, the adapter assembly30is configured for selective connection with the end effector20.

The surgical device1will further be described to the extent necessary to disclose aspects of the present disclosure. Additionally, while described and shown as including powered handle assembly10, end effector20, and adapter assembly30, it should be understood that a variety of different handle assemblies, end effectors, and/or adapter assemblies may be utilized with aspects of the present disclosure. For a detailed description of the structure and function of exemplary surgical devices, reference may be made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,327,779 and 10,426,468, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

With continued reference toFIG.1, the powered handle assembly10includes a handle housing12housing a power-pack (not shown) configured to power and control various operations of the surgical device1, and a plurality of actuators14(e.g., finger-actuated control buttons, knobs, toggles, slides, interfaces, and the like) for activating various functions of the surgical device1. The end effector20includes a loading unit22having a plurality of staples (not shown) disposed therein and an anvil assembly24including an anvil head24aand an anvil rod24b. The adapter assembly30includes a proximal portion30aconfigured for operable connection to the handle assembly10and a distal portion30bconfigured for operable connection to the end effector20.

Referring now toFIG.2, the adapter assembly30includes an outer sleeve32and a distal connector housing34secured to a distal end of the outer sleeve32. The distal connector housing34is configured to releasably secure an end effector, e.g., the end effector20(FIG.1), to the adapter assembly30. The adapter assembly30includes a wiring assembly40(shown in phantom) disposed therein. The wiring assembly40is configured to enable communication between the handle assembly10(FIG.1) and the end effector20(FIG.1) and to relay power from the handle assembly10to the end effector20. For example, this communication allows for calibration and communication of data and control signals between the end effector20and the adapter assembly30, as well as between the adapter assembly30and the handle assembly10, thereby transferring data pertaining to the end effector20to the handle assembly10and signals from the handle assembly10to the end effector20. The wiring assembly40includes a force sensor100that detects stimuli (e.g., strain), converts the stimuli into electrical signals, and sends that data to the handle assembly10to affect a function of the end effector20. It should be understood while described and shown as a force sensor and, more specifically, as a strain gauge, other types of sensors may additionally or alternatively be utilized in the anvil assembly30.

The wiring assembly40generally includes at least one flex cable42, as well as first and second electrical connectors44,46and the force sensor100coupled to the flex cable42. The flex cable42extends the length of the adapter assembly30and includes electrical contact regions (not shown) at terminal ends of conductive traces (not shown) defined therethrough for electrical connection with the first and second electrical connectors44,46and the force sensor100. The flex cable42includes a first or proximal end portion42acoupled to the first electrical connector44for electrical connection with the handle assembly10(FIG.1), a second or distal end portion42bcoupled to the second electrical connector46for electrical connection with the end effector20(FIG.1), and a third or intermediate end portion42celectrically coupled to the force sensor100. In aspects, the flex cable42supports electronic components thereon (e.g., surface mount technology and/or through-hole technology, including, for example, integrated circuits (e.g., microchips, microcontrollers, microprocessors), resistors, amplifiers, inductors, capacitors, sensing elements (e.g., optical sensors, pressure sensors, capacitive sensors), buttons, switches, circuit boards, electrical connectors, cables, and/or wires, among other elements or circuitry within the purview of those skilled in the art). It should be understood that the flex cable42may be one of a plurality of cables (e.g., flex cables, adapter cables, etc.) electrically coupled together to form a wiring harness, as is within the purview of those skilled in the art.

As shown inFIG.3A, the adapter assembly30further includes a trocar assembly36that extends through a central aperture101(see e.g.,FIG.4) of the force sensor100and a central aperture39(FIG.3B) of a trocar connection housing38. The trocar connection housing38releasably secures the trocar assembly36relative to the outer sleeve32(FIG.2) of the adapter assembly30. The force sensor100is disposed between the trocar connection housing38and the distal connector housing34of the adapter assembly30, and is configured to measure forces along a load path. Specifically, the force sensor100measures forces of the end effector20(e.g., as shown inFIG.1, the pressure applied by the anvil head24ain the direction of arrow “A” against the distal portion30bof the adapter assembly30, the pressure applied by tissue acting on the anvil head24ain a direction opposite of arrow “A” as the anvil head24ais closed onto tissue, etc.).

As shown inFIGS.3B and4, the trocar connection housing38includes a distal surface38awhich interfaces with and loads a proximal surface110aof a body or substrate110of the force sensor100at proximal load contact areas “Cp”. As shown inFIGS.3C and5, a proximal surface34aof the distal connector housing34interfaces with and loads a distal surface110bof the substrate110of the force sensor100at distal load contact areas “Cd” (e.g., disposed in each of the corners of the distal surface110b). Thus, for example, as the anvil assembly24(FIG.1) is approximated towards the loading unit22(FIG.1) of the end effector20during clamping and/or stapling of tissue, the anvil head24aapplies uniform pressure in the direction of arrow “A” (FIG.1) against the distal end34bof the distal connector housing34which, in turn, is transmitted to the distal load contact areas “Cd” of the force sensor100.

As shown inFIGS.4-6, the substrate110of the force sensor100has a central aperture101defined through the proximal and distal surfaces110a,110band extending along a central longitudinal axis “X” of the substrate110. The substrate110is divided into first and second lateral halves111a,111bby a plane passing through the central longitudinal axis “X”. The proximal surface110a(FIG.4) and the distal surface110b(FIG.5) of the substrate110are load bearing surfaces having proximal and distal load contact areas “Cp,” “Cd,” respectively, as described above, that allow the substrate110to compress when loaded by the surgical device1(FIG.1). The substrate110is formed from a rigid material having high strength and high temperature endurance, such as a metal (e.g., stainless steel).

As seen inFIG.4, the proximal surface110aof the substrate110is a stepped surface including a central wall112a, lateral walls112b, and intermediate walls112cinterconnecting the central and lateral walls112a,112b. The central wall112ais substantially planar and extends along a plane lying substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis “X” of the substrate110, and the lateral walls112bare also planar and extend along a plane lying substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis “X” of the substrate110in longitudinally spaced and distal relation relative to the central wall112a. The intermediate walls112care substantially planar and extend along a plane lying substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis “X” of the substrate110. It should be understood that the proximal surface110amay have other configurations, such as, for example, angled lateral walls. As seen inFIG.5, the distal surface110bof the substrate110is substantially planar and extends along a plane lying substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis “X” (FIG.4) of the substrate110and substantially parallel to the central and lateral walls112a,112b(FIG.4) of the proximal surface110a.

Turning now toFIGS.7and8, the force sensor100generally includes the substrate110, sensing elements120, a pin block assembly130, an electronics assembly140, and a seal assembly150. The substrate110includes a cavity113defined in the first lateral half111athat is open at both the proximal and distal surfaces110a,110b. The distal surface110afurther includes a groove115(FIG.8) recessed therein that extends around the opening into the cavity113for engagement with a cover158of the seal assembly150.

In aspects, the substrate110includes relief holes114defined in a top surface110cthereof to facilitate bending and/or to reduce stiffness of the substrate110. It should be understood that the relief holes114, as well as other relief features, such as relief cuts, may be formed in the substrate110in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as in different positions about the substrate110when more elongation (e.g., flex) is desired.

The sensing elements120, for example, strain gauges, are disposed within the cavity113of the substrate110and bonded (e.g., glued) to the substrate110(see e.g.,FIG.12) along with associated components thereof (not shown), e.g., media layers, films, protective coatings, circuitry including electronic components, such as resistors, conductive wires and/or traces, and electronic and/or solder connectors, etc. The sensing elements120are connected together with a series of wires (not shown) to form a resistance bridge, e.g., a Wheatstone bridge, that can read a linear strain response of the substrate110when compressed, as is within the purview of those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the sensing elements120may be directly coated or etched onto the substrate110by, for example, vapor deposition. In some aspects, the substrate110includes a thin insulative layer (e.g., vapor deposited glass) and a thin conductive layer (e.g., nichrome) laser etched to include the sensing elements120and the Wheatstone bridge.

The pin block assembly130is fixedly secured within the cavity113of the substrate110. The pin block assembly130includes a block body132and a plurality of pins134(referred to herein generally as pins) extending through the block body132in spaced relation relative to each other. The block body132is formed from an insulative material, such as glass or plastic, and the pins134are formed from a conductive material, such as metal. Each of the pins134includes a proximal portion134aand a distal portion134bextending proximally and distally, respectively, from the block body132. The sensing elements120are electrically coupled to the pins134, for example, by wires (not shown), within the cavity113of the substrate110. The proximal portions134aof the pins134extend beyond the proximal surface110aof the substrate110for electrical connection with the flex cable42, and the distal portions134bof the pins134are disposed within the cavity113for electrical connection within the electronics assembly140.

The electronic assembly140includes a circuit board142and a connector144for electrical connection with the distal portions134bof the pins134of the pin block assembly130. The connector144is disposed within the cavity113of the substrate110and the circuit board142extending distally out of the cavity113beyond the distal surface110bof the substrate110. The circuit board142is configured for reading and/or storing data pertaining to the force sensor100and sending the data to the powered handle assembly10(FIG.1) via the flex cable42. The circuit board142includes a microprocessor142aand a memory142b. The microprocessor142ais configured to receive and/or measure electrical signals from the sensing elements120and record them in the memory142bwhich, in turn, is configured to store the data received from the microprocessor142a. The memory142bis configured to communicate the data to the handle assembly10(FIG.1) via electrical contact with the pin block assembly130and the flex cable42which, in turn, is electrically coupled to the handle assembly10by the first electrical connector44(FIG.2). The data may be processed by a processor of the power-pack (not shown) of the powered handle assembly10(FIG.1) or in some remote processor or the like. The data may include, for example, stress measurements along the anvil assembly30(FIG.1) which are converted via an algorithm into corresponding tissue stress measurements. It should be understood that the data may correspond with other desired monitored properties of the end effector20(FIG.1) which, in turn, correspond with other desired monitored tissue properties and/or behaviors depending upon the type of sensing elements120and/or sensor utilized in the anvil assembly30.

The seal assembly150secures the flex cable42to the substrate110and seals the cavity113of the substrate110to protect the sensing elements120, the pin block assembly130, and the electronics assembly140disposed therein. The seal assembly150includes first and second gaskets152,154, a retainer plate156, a cover158, and a seal restraint160. The first or header gasket152is sized and shaped for positioning within the cavity113between the block body132of the pin block assembly130and the proximal surface110aof the substrate110. The first gasket152includes a gasket body152adefining an opening153therethrough. The gasket body152ais configured to abut the block body132and to be flush with the proximal surface110aof the substrate110such that the proximal portions134aof the pins134of the pin block assembly130extend through the opening153defined in the gasket body152aand proximally beyond the proximal surface110aof the substrate110. The opening153of the first gasket152may be a single, continuous opening or include a plurality of openings aligned or in registration with the pins134. The first gasket152is formed from a high temperature compliant material, such as an elastomeric material (e.g., silicone, rubber, or combinations thereof, such as those sold under the trademark Elastosil® of Wacker Chemie AG) to aid in sealing the opening into the cavity113of the substrate110.

The third portion42cof the flex cable42is sized and shaped for positioning over the cavity113on the proximal surface110aof the substrate110and is dimensioned to be larger in size than the opening into the cavity113such that the flex cable42lays substantially flush against the proximal surface110aof the substrate110and the first gasket152is disposed within the cavity113. The third portion42cof the flex cable42includes a plurality of apertures43defined therethrough that are sized, shaped, and positioned to receive the pins134of the pin block assembly130therethrough. The third portion42cof the flex cable42is positioned over the first gasket152of the seal assembly150such that the proximal portions134aof the pins134of the pin block assembly130engage and extend through the plurality of apertures43of the flex cable42.

The second gasket154is sized and shaped for positioning over the third portion42cof the flex cable42. The second gasket154includes a gasket body154adefining a plurality of openings155therethrough that are aligned or in registration with the pins134of the pin block assembly130. The second gasket154is positioned over the third portion42cof the flex cable42such that the proximal portions134aof the pins130extend into and are disposed within the plurality of openings155of the second gasket154, as seen inFIG.8. The second gasket154is formed from a high temperature compliant material, such as an elastomeric material (e.g., the same as or similar to the first gasket152), that is compressible against the pins130and the flex cable42to aid in sealing the opening into the cavity113of the substrate110. In some aspects, the second gasket154is formed from a more flexible material than the first gasket152. In aspects in which the third portion42cof the flex cable is defined in an end of the flex cable42, the flex cable42is wrapped around the second gasket154, as seen, for example, inFIG.8, such that the second gasket154is sandwiched between the flex cable42.

The retainer plate156is sized and shaped for positioning against the flex cable42. The retainer plate156includes a flat body156ahaving a lip156bextending around a distal end of the flat body156a. The retainer plate156is positioned against the flex cable42to mechanically compress the second gasket154towards the proximal surface110aof the substrate110. The retainer plate156is formed from a rigid material that is non-toxic, chemically inert, and capable of withstanding high temperatures and harsh detergents, such as, for example, a metal (e.g., stainless steel) or a polymer (e.g., polyphenylsulfone, such as those sold under the trademark Radel® by Solvay Specialty Polymers USA, L.L.C.).

Alternatively, the retainer plate156may define a cavity (not shown) therein that is configured to receive the flex cable42and the second gasket154therein. In such aspects, the lip156bof the retainer plate156abuts the proximal surface110aof the substrate110as well as the portion of the flex cable42extending outwardly therefrom, thereby compressing the second gasket154within the retainer plate156.

The cover158is sized and shaped to house the circuit board142of the electronics assembly140therein. The cover158includes an elongated body158ahaving an open proximal end158band a closed distal end158cthereby defining a pocket159therein. A flange158dextends around an entire outer perimeter of the open proximal end158bfor engagement with the distal surface110bof the substrate110and, more specifically, for positioning within the groove115defined in the distal surface110b. In some aspects, at least the flange158dof the cover158and, in certain aspects, the entire cover158is formed from a polymeric material, such as an elastomer having a low durometer, to effectively seal the distal surface110bof the substrate110over which the cover158is disposed in a fluid tight manner by a relatively low closure force provided by the seal restraint160of the seal assembly150. In aspects, the cover158is fabricated from a rigid material (e.g., the same as or similar to the retainer plate156).

Alternatively, in some aspects, the electronics assembly140may be integrated into the flex cable42and the cavity113of the substrate110is only open to the proximal surface110aof the substrate110. In such aspects, the force sensor100does not include the electronics assembly140or the cover158of the seal assembly150.

The seal restraint160is in the form of a compression clip, and is sized and shaped for positioning around the first lateral half111aof the substrate110to secure the seal assembly150to the substrate110. The compression clip160includes a side wall162configured to extend along a side surface110dof the substrate110. In aspects, the side wall162of the compression clip160is positioned within a recess117defined in the side surface110dof the substrate110such that the compression clip160is flush with the side surface110d. The compression clip160further includes a proximal wall164extending transversely from the side wall162at a first or proximal end162athereof for engaging (e.g., covering) the retainer plate156and securing the first and second gaskets152,154as well as the third portion42cof the flex cable42to the proximal surface110of the substrate110, and a distal wall164extending transversely from the side wall162at a second or distal end162bthereof for engaging and securing the cover158, and more specifically, the flange158d, to the distal surface110bof the substrate110. While the distal wall164is shown as being bifurcated, the distal wall164may be a continuous wall defining an opening therethrough that is configured to receive the cover158therethrough and press the flange158dagainst the distal surface110bof the substrate110.

The compression clip160mechanically compresses the seal assembly150against the substrate110to hermetically seal the sensing elements120, the pin block assembly130, and the electronics assembly140within the cavity113of the substrate110. The compression clip160applies a constant pressure onto the components of the seal assembly150to prevent the ingress of fluids (e.g., liquids) during a cleaning or sterilization cycle thereby protecting the electronic components from the external environment. Specifically, the compression clip160applies pressure onto the retainer plate156towards the proximal surface110aof the substrate110which, in turn, applies pressure onto the second gasket154and the flex cable42such that the second gasket154and flex cable42is compressed against the proximal surface110aof the substrate110to close the opening into the cavity113on the proximal side of the substrate110. The compression clip160also applies pressure and compresses the flange158dof the cover158towards and against the distal surface110bof the substrate110to close the opening into the cavity113on the distal side of the substrate110. Accordingly, the compression clip160is held in place by the spring force from the compressed first and second gaskets152,154and flange158d. In some aspects, the cover158of the seal assembly150may be additionally secured to the substrate110by conventional methods, such as the use of adhesives or coatings, among other techniques within the purview of those skilled in the art. The compression clip is fabricated from a rigid material, such as metal or plastic.

Turning now toFIGS.9-12, a force sensor200in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure is shown for use in the surgical device1(FIG.1). The force sensor200generally includes a substrate210, sensing elements120, a pin block assembly230, an electronics assembly140, and a seal assembly250. The force sensor200is electrically coupled to a flex cable42′, as described above with regard to force sensor100. The force sensor200and the flex cable42′ are substantially similar to the force sensor100and the flex cable42ofFIGS.2-8and will be described with respect to the differences therebetween. Accordingly, it should be understood that various components of the disclosure, such as those numbered in the100series or plainly numbered, correspond to components of the disclosure similarly numbered in the200series or prime numbered, such that redundant explanation of similar components need not be repeated herein.

The substrate210is substantially the same as the substrate110(FIG.4) of the force sensor100, except that the proximal surface210afurther includes a groove219recessed therein that extends around the opening into the cavity213for engagement with the pin block assembly230. Holes216are defined through the proximal surface210aand on opposed sides of the cavity213within the groove219. In aspects, the holes216are threaded for engagement with a seal restraint260of the seal assembly250.

The pin block assembly230includes a block body232and a plurality of pins234extending through the block body232. The block body232further includes through holes235extending therethrough on opposed sides of the pins234that are aligned or in registration with the holes216of the substrate210.

The seal assembly250includes first and second gaskets252,254, a retainer plate256, a cover158, and a seal restraint260. Each of the first and second gaskets252,254includes a gasket body252a,254adefining a plurality of openings253,255therethrough that are aligned or in registration with the pins234of the pin block assembly230, and further includes through holes253a,255athat are aligned or in registration with the through holes235of the pin block assembly230. The first and second gaskets252,254are formed from a flexible material, such as an elastomeric material (e.g., silicone rubber) that have sealing and adhesive properties and durability. The retainer plate256includes a flat body256adefining through holes251therethrough aligned or in registration with the through holes235of the pin block assembly230.

The flex cable42′ is substantially the same as flex cable42(FIG.6), except that the third portion42c′ of the flex cable42′, in addition to including the plurality of apertures43′ that are sized, shaped, and positioned to receive the pins234of the pin block assembly230therethrough, includes through holes45′ that are sized, shaped, and positioned to receive the seal restraint260therethrough.

The seal restraint260is in the form of screws, with each screw260including a head266aand a threaded shank266bextending from the head266a. The screws260are sized and shaped for positioning through the through holes253a,255aof the first and second gaskets252,254, the through holes235of the pin block assembly230, the through holes45′ of the flex cable42′, and into the holes216of the substrate210.

A method of assembling the seal assembly250onto the force sensor200is shown inFIGS.13-18. With the sensing elements120(FIG.12) positioned and secured to the substrate210within the cavity213, the pin block assembly230is positioned on the first lateral half211aof the proximal surface210aof the substrate210such that distal portions234b(FIG.11) of the pin234are disposed within the cavity213of the substrate210and the block body232is positioned adjacent to the proximal surface210aof the substrate210and seated within the groove219, as seen inFIG.13. The sensing elements120(FIG.12) are electrically coupled to the distal portions234b(FIG.11) of the pins234via, e.g., wires (not shown), as described above and the connector144(FIG.12) of the electronics assembly140is positioned within the cavity213of the substrate210and coupled to the distal portions234bof the plurality of pins234via, e.g., wires (not shown) for electrical connection with the circuit board142, which extends distally out of the substrate210. The cover258is positioned over the electronics assembly140(FIG.12) and secured to the distal surface210bof the substrate210, e.g., by welding, adhesives, coatings, and/or mechanical connections (e.g., the same as or similar to the seal restraint160,260) to seal the cavity213on the distal side of the substrate210.

As shown inFIG.14, the first gasket252is then placed atop the block body232of the pin block assembly230with the proximal portions234aof the pins234extending through the openings253of the first gasket252and the through holes253aaligned with the through holes235(FIG.13) of the block body232such that the first gasket252lays flush against the block body232.

As seen inFIG.15, the third portion42c′ of the flex cable42′ is then positioned over the first gasket252such that the proximal portions234aof the pins234of the pin block assembly230extend through the plurality of apertures43′ of the flex cable42′ and the through holes45are aligned with the through holes253a(FIG.14) of the first gasket252such that the third portion42c′ of the flex cable42′ lays flush against the first gasket252.

As seen inFIG.16, the second gasket254is positioned over the third portion42c′ of the flex cable42′ such that the proximal portions234aof the pins234extend into and are disposed within the plurality of openings255of the second gasket254and the through holes255aare aligned with the through holes45(FIG.15) of the flex cable42′. The second gasket254lays flush against the flex cable42′.

As seen inFIG.17, the retainer plate256is positioned over the second gasket254with the through holes251aligned with the through holes255a(FIG.16) of the second gasket254. As seen inFIG.18, in conjunction withFIG.12, the threaded shanks266bof the screws260are then inserted through the through holes251of the retainer plate256, the through holes255aof the second gasket254, the through holes45′ of the flex cable42′, the through holes253aof the first gasket252, and into the holes216of the substrate210, and the heads266aof the screws260are seated within the retainer plate256.

The screws260secure the pin block assembly230, the first and second gaskets252,254, the flex cable42′, and the retainer plate256to the substrate210and applies pressure onto the retainer plate256to compress the first and second gaskets252,254between the retainer plate256and the block body232of the pin block assembly230. The screws260apply constant pressure on the components of the seal assembly250to effective seal the electronic components therein.

While the force sensors100,200are shown including sensing elements and a seal assembly associated with the first lateral half of the substrate, it should be understood that additionally or alternatively, the force sensors100,200may include a cavity in the second lateral half of the substrate. At least because the first and second lateral halves of the substrate are mirror images of each other, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the seal assemblies are configured to accommodate such alternate or additional configurations. In aspects in which the sensing elements are disposed in each of the first and second lateral halves of the substrate, two seal assemblies would be utilized with the force sensor, as can be readily appreciated by one skilled in the art.

It should be understood that the seal assembly may vary. For example, additional gaskets may be provided and/or alternate seal restraints may be utilized used to hold the seal assembly under compressive load. Accordingly, while the seal restraints are shown as a compression clip and as screws, other configurations are envisioned (e.g., straps).

The surgical device is used, for example, in an anastomosis procedure to effect joining of two tubular or hollow tissue sections (e.g., intestinal section) together. Generally, referring again toFIG.1, the anvil assembly24may be applied to the operative site either through a surgical incision or natural orifice (e.g., transanally) and positioned within a first tissue or intestinal section (not shown) and secured temporarily thereto (e.g., by a purse string suture), and the loading unit22and the outer sleeve32(FIG.2) of the adapter assembly30may be inserted into a second tissue or intestinal section (not shown) and secured temporarily thereto. Thereafter, a clinician maneuvers the anvil assembly24until the proximal end of the anvil rod24bis inserted into the distal end of the adapter assembly30, wherein mounting structure (not shown) within the distal end of the adapter assembly30engages the anvil rod24bto effect mounting. The anvil assembly24and the loading unit22are then approximated to approximate the first and second tissue sections. The surgical device1is then fired, and a knife (not shown) cuts the portion of tissue disposed radially inward of the knife, to complete the anastomosis.

The force sensors100,200of the present disclosure may be utilized to enhance the anastomosis procedure by controlling a function of the surgical device1. For example, the force sensors may be used to control the force and/or rate of compression of tissue. If tissue is compressed too rapidly, it may become bruised, torn, damaged, etc. during such compression. Without being bound to any particular theory, it is believed that maintaining a constant force of compression on the tissue provides a steady yet rapid compression of tissue until the optimal staple gap is achieved for performing stapling and cutting functions. The force sensors may be utilized to first read the force to compress the tissue. Once compressed, the force sensors may also monitor the stapling function. Such monitoring allows for the programming of the stapling function. In aspects, the surgical device is programmed to deliver a preset load depending on the anvil selected. For example, a smaller anvil requires a lower force than a larger anvil. In aspects, the cutting function may be controlled to stop at a predetermined force. This allows for the electronics and software to control such functions eliminating the need for tight mechanical stops.

While illustrated as being used in a hand-held powered surgical device1hereinabove, it is contemplated, and within the scope of the present disclosure for the force sensor100,200to be configured for use with various electromechanical and/or electrosurgical instruments and systems. For example, the force sensors may be utilized in non-motor driven yet powered surgical devices (e.g., reusable surgical devices subject to washing and/or sterilization procedures). As another example, the force sensors may be utilized in robotic surgical systems, such as the robotic surgical system shown and described in U.S. Patent Appl. Pub. No. 2012/0116416, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,828,023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

While aspects of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. It is to be understood, therefore, that the disclosure is not limited to the precise aspects described, and that various other changes and modifications may be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Additionally, the elements and features shown and described in connection with certain aspects of the disclosure may be combined with the elements and features of certain other aspects without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and that such modifications and variation are also included within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of aspects of the disclosure and the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described. Thus, the scope of the disclosure should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.