Surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor

Abstract

Disclosed is a surgical instrument with wireless communication between control unit and remote sensor, such as an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument. The surgical instrument may comprise an end effector comprising at least one sensor. The surgical instrument may also comprise an electrically conductive shaft having a distal end connected to the end effector wherein the sensor is electrically insulated from the shaft. The surgical instrument may also comprise a handle connected to a proximate end of the shaft. The handle may comprise a control unit electrically coupled to the shaft such that the shaft radiates signals as an antenna from the control unit to the sensor and receives radiated signals from the sensor. Other components electrically coupled to the shaft may also radiate the signals.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications

[0002] This application is related to the following concurrently filed U.S. patent applications, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference:

[0003] (1) U.S. patent application entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CONTROL UNIT AND SENSOR TRANSPONDERS" by J. Giordano et al. (Attorney Docket No. 060338 / END5923USNP);

[0004] (2) U.S. Patent Application by J. Giordano et al. entitled "SURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH ELEMENTS TO COMMUNICATE BETWEEN CONTROL UNIT AND END EFFECTOR" (Attorney Docket No. 060340 / END5925USNP);

[0005] (3) F. Shelton et al.'s US patent application entitled "Prevention of CARTRIDGE REUSE IN A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT" (Attorney Docket No. 060341 / END5926USNP);

[0006] (4) U.S. patent application entitled "POST-STERILIZATION PROGRAMMING OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS" by J. Swayze et al. (Attorney Docket No. 060342 / END5924USNP);

[0007] (5) U.S. Patent Application by F. Shelto...

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