Temperature indicator and insulator for powered surgical instruments

An indicating device for use with a surgical instrument having a potential heat generating surface, said device comprising:

• a body having a conforming surface similar in shape to said heat generating surface, said conforming surface attachable adjacent said heat generating surface;
• and
• thermochromic means associated with said body and having a first color at a first temperature of said body and a second color at a second temperature of said body,
• wherein said body is a cylindrical shell having an open proximal end and a closed, apertured distal end.

A method for operating a surgical instrument comprising the steps of:

• identifying a first portion of a surgical instrument, adjacent a second, tissue contacting portion of said surgical instrument, which may be heated to a predetermined temperature;
• applying to said first portion a temperature indicating element which can sense the temperature of said first portion and provide an indication that said first portion is at a predetermined temperature;
• sensing the temperature of said first portion with said temperature indicating element;
• providing an indication that said first portion is at said predetermined temperature.

A method for operating a surgical instrument comprising the steps of:

• identifying a surface of a surgical instrument which may become a potential heat generating surface, said surface being adjacent a tissue contacting portion of said surgical instrument;
• providing an indicating device comprising:
• an element having a conforming surface similar in shape to said heat generating surface, said conforming surface attachable to said instrument adjacent said heat generating surface;
• and
• thermochromic means associated with said element and having a first color at a first temperature of said element and a second color at a second temperature of said element;
• attaching said element to said surgical instrument with said conforming surface adapted to receive heat from said heat generating surface;
• sensing heat with said thermochromic means;
• noting the color change of said thermochromic means at said second temperature.