Electromechanical surgical device with signal relay arrangement

A handheld surgical instrument comprising:

• an end effector;
• a shaft extending proximally from the end effector;
• a handle located proximal to the shaft;
• a sensor disposed in the end effector configured to generate a first signal indicative of a condition at the end effector;
• a transmitter communicatively coupled to the sensor, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit the first signal at a first power level suitable for wireless transmission within a distance defined by the handheld surgical instrument;
• a relay station located intermediate the end effector and a proximal portion of the handle, wherein the relay station is configured to:
• receive the first signal from the transmitter, convert the first signal to a second signal indicative of the condition at the end effector, and
• transmit the second signal at a second power level to a remote system, wherein the second power level is suitable for transmission over a distance greater than the first power level.