US 11,690,695 B2
Compression force sensor for a handheld electromechanical surgical system
David A. Nicholas, Trumbull, CT (US); and Brian L. Holden, New Haven, CT (US)
Assigned to COVIDIEN LP, Mansfield, MA (US)
Filed by Covidien LP, Mansfield, MA (US)
Filed on Jun. 9, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/342,627.
Prior Publication US 2022/0395348 A1, Dec. 15, 2022
Int. Cl. A61B 90/00 (2016.01); A61B 17/115 (2006.01); A61B 17/00 (2006.01)
CPC A61B 90/06 (2016.02) [A61B 17/1155 (2013.01); A61B 2017/0003 (2013.01); A61B 2017/00115 (2013.01); A61B 2090/065 (2016.02)] 19 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A surgical device comprising:
a tool assembly including:
a distal portion including a plurality of staples; and
an anvil assembly being movable relative to the distal portion from an open position to a clamped position;
a handle assembly including:
an approximation mechanism coupled to the anvil assembly and configured to move the anvil assembly from the open position to the clamped position;
a force sensor disposed at a distal end of the surgical device, the force sensor configured to sense a change in electrical resistance indicating a compression force on tissue, wherein the force sensor includes:
a substantially circular substrate including a proximal side and a distal side;
a conductive trace disposed on the distal side of the substrate; and
a conductive material disposed on the conductive trace; and
a controller configured to:
receive a signal indicative of a force measured by the force sensor; and
provide an indication of the sensed force.