POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENT
A method of operating a surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes an electronic system comprising an electric motor coupled to the end effector; a motor controller coupled to the motor; a parameter threshold detection module configured to monitor multiple parameter thresholds; a sensing module configured to sense tissue compression; a processor coupled to the parameter threshold detection module and the motor controller; and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores executable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to monitor multiple levels of action thresholds and monitor speed of the motor and increment a drive unit of the motor, sense tissue compression, and provide rate and control feedback to the user of the surgical instrument.
1 - 20 . (canceled)
21 . A surgical instrument, comprising:
a handle, comprising:
a battery; and
a motor configured to output a rotary motion when supplied with power from said battery;
a shaft extending from said handle;
an end effector extending from said shaft, wherein said end effector comprises:
an anvil; and
a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein;
a firing member configured to advance through said end effector during a firing stroke in response to said rotary motion;
a microcontroller in signal communication with said motor, wherein said microcontroller comprises a processor;
an electrical load sensor configured to measure the force on said firing member during said firing stroke, wherein said electrical load sensor is configured to communicate the measured force to said processor; and
a feedback display in signal communication with said processor, wherein said feedback display comprises a plurality of zones indicative of the measured force on said firing member, and wherein said plurality of zones comprises:
a first zone which indicates the firing member is being advanced in a first operating state;
a second zone which indicates the firing member is being advanced in a second operating state, wherein said second operating state is different than said first operating state; and
a third zone which indicates the firing member is being advanced in a third operating state, wherein said third operating state is different than said first operating state and said second operating state.
22 . The surgical instrument of claim 21 , wherein said feedback display further comprises a pointer and an arcuate shaped dial, and wherein said first zone, said second zone, and said third zone are defined within said arcuate shaped dial.
23 . A surgical instrument, comprising:
a handle, comprising:
a battery; and
a motor configured to output a rotary motion when supplied with power from said battery;
a shaft extending from said handle;
an end effector extending from said shaft, wherein said end effector comprises:
an anvil; and
a staple cartridge comprising a plurality of staples removably stored therein;
a firing member configured to advance through said end effector during a firing stroke in response to said rotary motion;
a microcontroller in signal communication with said motor, wherein said microcontroller comprises a processor;
a current sensor configured to measure the current draw of said motor during said firing stroke, wherein said current sensor is configured to communicate the measured current draw to said processor; and
a feedback display in signal communication with said processor, wherein said feedback display comprises a plurality of zones indicative of the measured current received by said processor from said current sensor, and wherein said plurality of zones comprises:
a first zone which indicates the firing member is being advanced at a first rate;
a second zone which indicates the firing member is being advanced at a second rate, wherein said second rate is different than said first rate; and
a third zone which indicates the firing member is being advanced at a third rate, wherein said third rate is different than said first rate and said second rate.
24 . The surgical instrument of claim 23 , wherein said feedback display further comprises a pointer and an arcuate shaped dial, and wherein said first zone, said second zone, and said third zone are defined within said arcuate shaped dial.