Surgical instrument system configured to detect resistive forces experienced by a tissue cutting implement

A surgical instrument, comprising:

• an elongate channel;
• a staple cartridge operably supported in said elongate channel;
• an anvil movably supported relative to said elongate channel, wherein said anvil is movable between an open position and a closed position relative to said staple cartridge;
• a tissue cutting implement movable relative to said elongate channel;
• a shaft assembly connected to said elongate channel, said shaft assembly comprising a drive shaft operably interfacing with said tissue cutting implement for transmitting motion to said tissue cutting implement;
• an electric motor comprising a rotatable output, wherein said drive shaft is operably engaged with said rotatable output;
• a controller configured to control said electric motor;
• and
• a sensor configured to detect resistive forces experienced by said tissue cutting implement as said tissue cutting implement is driven through tissue clamped between said staple cartridge and said anvil, wherein said sensor is in signal communication with said controller.

A surgical instrument, comprising:

• an elongate channel;
• a staple cartridge operably supported in said elongate channel;
• an anvil movably supported relative to said elongate channel, wherein said anvil is movable between an open position and a closed position relative to said staple cartridge;
• a firing drive, comprising:
• a tissue cutting implement movable relative to said elongate channel;
• a drive shaft operably interfacing with said tissue cutting implement for transmitting motion to said tissue cutting implement;
• an electric motor comprising a rotatable output, wherein said drive shaft is operably engaged with said rotatable output;
• and
• a controller configured to control said electric motor;
• and
• a sensor configured to detect resistive loads experienced by said firing drive as said tissue cutting implement is driven through tissue clamped between said staple cartridge and said anvil, wherein said sensor is in signal communication with said controller.