# US 10,863,987 B2 · Surgical instrument with imaging device > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,863,987 B2 - Document ID: US10863987B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/814,931 - Filed: 2017-11-16 - Published: 2019-05-16 - Granted: 2020-12-15 - Earliest claimed: 2017-11-16 - Assignees: Covidien LP - Applicants: Covidien LP - Inventors: Peter T. Collings; Japhet Colon-Rosario; Michael S. Gallie; Jean Camille Lu Ersando - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10863987B2 ## CPC - A61B 17/07207: {the staples being applied sequentially} - A61B 1/00087: {Tools (A61B17/00234 takes precedence)} - A61B 1/05: characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion - A61B 1/06: with illuminating arrangements - A61B 1/313: for introducing through surgical openings, e.g. laparoscopes - A61B 17/072: for applying a row of staples in a single action, e.g. the staples being applied simultaneously - A61B 90/37: {Surgical systems with images on a monitor during operation} - A61B 17/115: Staplers for performing anastomosis, e.g. in a single operation - A61B 18/1442: {Probes having pivoting end effectors, e.g. forceps} - A61B 18/1445: {at the distal end of a shaft, e.g. forceps or scissors at the end of a rigid rod} - A61B 90/361: {Image-producing devices, e.g. surgical cameras} - A61B 2017/00353: {one mechanical instrument performing multiple functions, e.g. cutting and grasping} - A61B 2017/00473: {Distal part, e.g. tip or head (A61B2017/00464 takes precedence)} - A61B 2017/07214: {Stapler heads} - A61B 2018/00482: {Digestive system} - A61B 2018/00529: {Liver} - A61B 2018/00541: {Lung or bronchi} - A61B 2018/0063: {Sealing} - A61B 2090/373: {using light, e.g. by using optical scanners} - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) ## Abstract A loading unit configured for engagement with a surgical instrument, and including a proximal body portion, an end effector, and an imaging device. The end effector is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the proximal body portion, and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member is movable with respect to the other of the first jaw member and the second jaw member between an open position and an approximated position. The first jaw member includes a first tissue contacting surface, and the second jaw member includes a second tissue contacting surface. A distal portion of the first jaw member is disposed at a first angle with respect to the first tissue contacting surface. The imaging device is disposed on the distal portion of the first jaw member, and is configured to capture visual data. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A loading unit configured for engagement with a surgical instrument, the loading unit comprising: a proximal body portion; an end effector disposed in mechanical cooperation with the proximal body portion, the end effector including a first jaw member and a second jaw member, at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member being movable with respect to the other of the first jaw member and the second jaw member between an open position and an approximated position, the first jaw member includes a first tissue contacting surface, and the second jaw member includes a second tissue contacting surface, a distal portion of the first jaw member disposed at a first angle with respect to the first tissue contacting surface, a distal portion of the second jaw member is disposed parallel to the distal portion of the first jaw member when the jaw members are in the approximated position; a first imaging device disposed on the distal portion of the first jaw member, the first imaging device configured to capture visual data; and a second imaging device disposed on the distal portion of the second jaw member, the second imaging device configured to capture visual data. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The loading unit according to claim 1, wherein the first jaw member is an anvil assembly and the second jaw member is a cartridge assembly configured to house fasteners therein. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The loading unit according to claim 1, wherein the first angle is between about 25° and about 65°. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The loading unit according to claim 1, wherein the distal portion of the second jaw member is disposed at a second angle with respect to the second tissue contacting surface. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The loading unit according to claim 4, wherein the first angle is between about 25° and about 65°. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The loading unit according to claim 1, wherein the distal portion of the first jaw member is angled toward the second jaw member. ### Claim 7 An end effector configured for use with a surgical instrument, the end effector comprising: a first jaw member and a second jaw member, at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member being movable with respect to the other of the first jaw member and the second jaw member between an open position and an approximated position, the first jaw member includes a first tissue contacting surface; a first imaging device disposed on the first jaw member; and a second imaging device disposed on the second jaw member, the first imaging device opposing the second imaging device when the jaw members are in the approximated position. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The end effector according to claim 7, wherein the first jaw member is an anvil assembly and the second jaw member is a cartridge assembly configured to house fasteners therein. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The end effector according to claim 7, wherein the first imaging device is disposed at a first angle with respect to the first tissue contacting surface, wherein the first angle is between about 70° and about 110°. ### Claim 10 (depends on 7) The end effector according to claim 7, wherein the first imaging device is disposed at a 90° angle with respect to the first tissue contacting surface. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) The end effector according to claim 9, wherein the second imaging device is disposed at a second angle with respect to a second tissue contacting surface of the second jaw member, wherein the second angle is between about 70° and about 110°. ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) The end effector according to claim 10, wherein the second imaging device is disposed at a 90° angle with respect to a second tissue contacting surface of the second jaw member. ### Claim 13 (depends on 7) The end effector according to claim 7, further including a third imaging device disposed at the first angle with respect to the first tissue contacting surface. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The end effector according to claim 13, wherein the first angle is 90°. ### Claim 15 A method of performing a surgical procedure, comprising: positioning an end effector of a surgical instrument adjacent a surgical site; viewing a first image captured from a first imaging device disposed on the end effector while the end effector is adjacent the surgical site; viewing a second image captured from a second imaging device disposed on the end effector while the end effector is adjacent the surgical site; approximating jaw members of the end effector such that the first imaging device moves from a first position where the first imaging device is non-parallel to the second imaging device, to a second position where the first imaging device is parallel to the second imaging device; and performing a surgical function with the surgical instrument. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The method according to claim 15, further including repositioning the end effector after viewing the first image captured from the first imaging device and before performing the surgical function with the surgical instrument.