Methods for ultrasonic tissue sensing and feedback
AssigneeCovidien LP
InventorCharles D. Allen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An ultrasonic surgical instrument is presented including an ultrasonic transmission member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a handle member located at the proximal end of the transmission member. The ultrasonic surgical instrument also includes an end effector assembly located at the distal end of the transmission member. The end effector assembly includes a sensing mechanism for sensing load variations on tissue based on mechanical vibrations detected on one or more portions of the surgical instrument, the mechanical vibrations sensed by a laser interferometer.
Claims19
An ultrasonic surgical instrument, comprising:
- an ultrasonic transmission member having a proximal end and a distal end;
- a handle member located at the proximal end of the transmission member;
- and
- an end effector assembly located at the distal end of the transmission member and including a sensing mechanism for sensing load variations on tissue based on mechanical vibrations detected on one or more portions of the surgical instrument, the mechanical vibrations sensed by a laser interferometer.
An end effector assembly, comprising:
- a clamp member for clamping tissue;
- and
- a sensing mechanism for sensing load variations on tissue based on mechanical vibrations detected on one or more portions of a surgical instrument cooperating with the end effector assembly, the load variations sensed by a laser interferometer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.