Patent ID: 8186559

Claim:
A fastening and cutting attachment for use with an electromechanical driver device for cutting and fastening of tissue, the fastening and cutting attachment comprising: a first jaw defining a longitudinal axis; a second jaw disposed in parallel and opposed correspondence with the first jaw; a first sensor electrode disposed at a distal end of the first jaw; a second sensor electrode disposed at a distal end of the second jaw and configured to electrically communicate with a second contact pad, the second contact pad arranged to electrically communicate with a first contact pad; an upper horizontal shaft coupled to a proximal end of the first jaw; and a lower horizontal shaft extending through the second jaw, the upper horizontal shaft and the lower horizontal shaft configured to be parallel to each other at a fixed distance; wherein when the first jaw and the second jaw are approximated to a closed configuration, the first sensor electrode contacts the second sensor electrode to complete a sensor circuit, wherein the sensor circuit provides an indication that a cutting and fastening of tissue, disposed between the first jaw and the second jaw, is permitted; and wherein the first jaw is configured to move in a direction transverse to an axis of the upper horizontal shaft.