Power control circuit for powered surgical stapler

A method for operating a powered surgical stapler comprising an end effector, a motor operably coupled to the end effector, a sequential logic device, a safety switch, and a firing trigger, the sequential logic device comprising a plurality of inputs and one or more outputs, the method comprising sequentially:

• (a) receiving, at a first input of the plurality of inputs, a first signal based on an actuation of the safety switch;
• (b) receiving, at a second input of the plurality of inputs, a second signal based on an actuation of the firing trigger;
• and
• (c) transmitting, at a select output of the one or more outputs, a third signal in response to:
• (i) the first input receiving the first signal, and
• (ii) the second input receiving the second signal,
• wherein the select output is operatively coupled with the motor, and
• wherein the motor is configured to, based on the third signal, activate and thereby actuate the end effector to drive a plurality of staples into clamped tissue.

An apparatus, comprising:

• (a) a body including a motor and a firing actuator;
• (b) a shaft extending distally from the body;
• (c) an end effector operatively coupled with the shaft, wherein the end effector is actuatable from an open position to a closed position to clamp tissue, wherein the end effector in the closed position is operable to drive a plurality of staples into the clamped tissue in response to activation of the motor;
• (d) a safety switch configured to be directly contacted and thereby mechanically actuated by a portion of the end effector when the end effector transitions from the open position to the closed position;
• and
• (e) a sequential logic device operatively coupled with the motor and comprising an analog integrated circuit having at least one latched switch configured for an edge-triggered mode of operation, the at least one latched switch comprising a plurality of inputs and one or more outputs, wherein the sequential logic device is configured to detect an actuation of the safety switch and an actuation of the firing actuator, wherein the sequential logic device is operable to sequentially:
• (i) receive, at a first input of the plurality of inputs, a first signal based on an actuation of the safety switch;
• receive, at a second input of the plurality of inputs, a second signal based on an actuation of the firing actuator;
• and
• iii) transmit, at a select output of the one or more outputs, a third signal to the motor in response to:
• (A) the first input receiving the first signal, and
• (B) the second input receiving the second signal,
• wherein the motor is configured to, based on the third signal, activate and thereby actuate the end effector to drive the plurality of staples into the clamped tissue.