Intelligent anvil insert for linear surgical stapler

An apparatus, comprising:

• (a) an elongate cartridge channel comprising a proximal frame portion and a cartridge distal jaw portion, the cartridge distal jaw portion being configured to releasably receive a staple cartridge;
• (b) an anvil assembly comprising an elongate anvil channel and an anvil insert, the elongate anvil channel comprising a proximal frame portion and an anvil distal jaw portion and the anvil insert being disposed at the anvil distal jaw portion;
• (c) a clamp member pivotally coupled to the elongate cartridge channel and pivotable between a released position and an actuated position, wherein pivoting of the clamp member from the released position to the actuated position facilitates clamping of patient tissue between the anvil assembly and the elongate cartridge channel;
• (d) a strain gage embedded in the anvil insert and configured to detect deflection of the anvil insert;
• (e) an indicator coupled with the anvil insert and configured to generate a notification as a function of the detected deflection;
• and
• (f) a battery coupled with the anvil insert and configured to power the strain gage and the indicator.

An anvil insert for a linear surgical stapler, the anvil insert comprising:

• (a) an elongate main body that defines an elongate slot for accommodating a knife;
• (b) a tip disposed at a distal end of the elongate main body;
• (c) a deflection sensor coupled with the elongate main body and configured to detect deflection of the elongate main body;
• (d) an indicator coupled with the tip and configured to generate a notification when the detected deflection exceeds a threshold value;
• and
• (e) a battery coupled with the anvil insert and configured to power the deflection sensor and the indicator.