Clamp force sensor for surgical stapler

An apparatus comprising:

• (a) a first elongate member having a distal portion configured to present a first stapling surface;
• (b) a second elongate member having a distal portion configured to present a second stapling surface, wherein the first and second elongate members are configured to releasably couple together at their proximal ends to enable the first and second stapling surfaces to cooperate to clamp and staple tissue with a plurality of staples;
• (c) a clamp member, wherein the clamp member is movable relative to the first and second elongate members from an open position to a closed position to approximate the first and second stapling surfaces for clamping tissue;
• and
• (d) a strain measurement assembly configured to measure a strain value associated with either the first elongate member or the clamp member, wherein the strain measurement assembly is configured to communicate the measured strain to a console configured generate a signal indicative of whether a gap distance between the first and second stapling surfaces is within a predetermined range.

A method of determining whether a gap distance between a first and second stapling surface is within a predetermined range, the method comprising:

• (a) measuring a strain value on a first elongate member while the first elongate member and a second elongated member cooperate to clamp tissue;
• (b) communicating the measured strain value to a console;
• and
• (c) generating a pressure profile on the first stapling surface using the measured strain value.