Powered surgical instrument including a control unit and sensor
A powered surgical instrument comprising an end effector, a sensor configured to output a signal, an elongate shaft, and a handle is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, a channel, a staple cartridge, an anvil, and a firing member configured to be driven during a firing stroke. The firing member experiences a pushing force during the firing stroke and comprises a knife portion, a first camming member configured to engage the first jaw, a second camming member configured to engage and position the second jaw. The handle comprises a motor, a battery, means for detecting the pushing force of the firing member, and a control unit configured to receive the signal from the sensor. The control unit includes a microprocessor which utilizes a pulse width modulation circuit to control the motor based on the signal received from the sensor.
1. A powered surgical instrument, comprising:
an end effector, comprising:
a first jaw;
a second jaw movable relative to said first jaw between an open position and a closed position;
a channel;
a staple cartridge configured to be received in said channel;
an anvil; and
a firing member configured to be driven within said end effector during a firing stroke, wherein said firing member experiences a pushing force during said firing stroke, and wherein said firing member comprises:
a first camming member configured to engage said first jaw;
a second camming member configured to engage and position said second jaw; and
a knife portion;
a sensor configured to output a signal;
an elongate shaft, wherein said end effector extends from said elongate shaft; and
a handle, wherein said elongate shaft extends from said handle, and wherein said handle comprises:
a motor, wherein said firing member is operably responsive to said motor;
a battery configured to supply power to said motor;
means for detecting said pushing force of said firing member; and
a control unit configured to receive said signal from said sensor, wherein said control unit includes a microprocessor which utilizes a pulse width modulation circuit to control said motor based on said signal received from said sensor.
2. The powered surgical instrument of claim 1 , wherein said sensor is located in said end effector and comprises a pressure sensor, and wherein said pressure sensor is configured to detect a pressure between said first jaw and said second jaw.
3. A powered surgical instrument, comprising:
an end effector, comprising:
a first jaw;
a second jaw movable relative to said first jaw between an open position and a closed position;
a channel;
a staple cartridge configured to be received in said channel;
an anvil; and
a firing member configured to be driven within said end effector during a firing stroke, wherein said firing member experiences a firing force during said firing stroke, and wherein said firing member comprises:
a first camming member configured to engage said first jaw;
a second camming member configured to engage said second jaw and control the position of said second jaw; and
a knife portion;
a sensing system configured to sense said firing force experienced by said firing member and generate a sensor output;
an elongate shaft, wherein said end effector extends from said elongate shaft; and
a handle, wherein said elongate shaft extends from said handle, and wherein said handle comprises:
a motor, wherein said firing member is operably responsive to said motor;
a battery configured to supply power to said motor;
means for detecting said firing force of said firing member; and
a control unit configured to evaluate said sensor output from said sensing system, wherein said control unit includes a pulse width modulation circuit to control the motor based on said sensor output.
4. A powered surgical instrument, comprising:
an end effector, comprising:
a first jaw;
a second jaw movable relative to said first jaw between an open position and a clamped position;
a channel;
a staple cartridge configured to be received in said channel;
an anvil;
a firing member configured to be driven through said end effector during a firing stroke, wherein said firing member experiences a pushing force during said firing stroke, and wherein said firing member comprises:
a first camming member configured to engage said first jaw;
a second camming member configured to engage said second jaw and position said second jaw; and
a tissue cutting portion; and
a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure between said first jaw and said second jaw, wherein said pressure sensor is further configured to output a signal based on the pressure detected;
an elongate shaft, wherein said end effector extends from said elongate shaft; and
a handle, wherein said elongate shaft extends from said handle, and wherein said handle comprises:
a motor, wherein said firing member is operably responsive to said motor;
a battery configured to supply power to said motor; and
a control unit configured to receive said signal from said pressure sensor, wherein said control unit includes a pulse width modulation circuit to control the motor based on said signal received from said pressure sensor.