Abstract: A surgical system includes at least one light emitter generating light at a first intensity and an array of light sensors including a least one row of light sensors, individual light sensors in the row of light sensors adapted to generate a signal including a non-pulsatile component. The system also includes a controller coupled to the array of light sensors, the controller including an analyzer to determine the magnitudes of the non-pulsatile components at the individual light sensors in the row of light sensors, to determine if the non-pulsatile component transitions from a higher magnitude to a lower magnitude and from a lower magnitude to a higher magnitude, and if so, to determine if the first intensity should be changed to a second intensity.

Abstract: A surgical system used to determine a size of a vessel within a region proximate to a working end of a surgical instrument includes at least one light emitter disposed at the working end, an array of light sensors disposed opposite the at least one light emitter, the array comprising a least one row of light sensors, individual light sensors in the row adapted to generate a signal comprising a pulsatile and a non-pulsatile component, and a controller coupled to the array, the controller comprising a splitter to separate the pulsatile component from the non-pulsatile component, and an analyzer to determine the magnitudes of the pulsatile and non-pulsatile components at the individual light sensors, to determine a first peak magnitude and a second peak magnitude of the pulsatile components, and to determine a resting outer diameter of the vessel based on the first and second peak magnitudes.

Abstract: A surgical system used to determine a size of a vessel within a region proximate to a working end of a surgical instrument includes at least one light emitter disposed at the working end, an array of light sensors disposed opposite the at least one light emitter, the array comprising a least one row of light sensors, individual light sensors in the row adapted to generate a signal comprising a pulsatile and a non-pulsatile component, and a controller coupled to the array, the controller comprising a splitter to separate the pulsatile component from the non-pulsatile component, and an analyzer to determine the magnitudes of the pulsatile and non-pulsatile components at the individual light sensors, to determine a first peak magnitude and a second peak magnitude of the pulsatile components, and to determine a resting outer diameter of the vessel based on the first and second peak magnitudes.

Abstract: A surgical system includes at least one light emitter generating light at a first intensity and an array of light sensors including a least one row of light sensors, individual light sensors in the row of light sensors adapted to generate a signal including a non-pulsatile component. The system also includes a controller coupled to the array of light sensors, the controller including an analyzer to determine the magnitudes of the non-pulsatile components at the individual light sensors in the row of light sensors, to determine if the non-pulsatile component transitions from a higher magnitude to a lower magnitude and from a lower magnitude to a higher magnitude, and if so, to determine if the first intensity should be changed to a second intensity.

Abstract: A surgical system includes at least one light emitter generating light at a first intensity and an array of light sensors including a least one row of light sensors, individual light sensors in the row of light sensors adapted to generate a signal including a non-pulsatile component. The system also includes a controller coupled to the array of light sensors, the controller including an analyzer to determine the magnitudes of the non-pulsatile components at the individual light sensors in the row of light sensors, to determine if the non-pulsatile component transitions from a higher magnitude to a lower magnitude and from a lower magnitude to a higher magnitude, and if so, to determine if the first intensity should be changed to a second intensity.

Abstract: A surgical system includes at least one light emitter generating light at a first intensity and an array of light sensors including a least one row of light sensors, individual light sensors in the row of light sensors adapted to generate a signal including a non-pulsatile component. The system also includes a controller coupled to the array of light sensors, the controller including an analyzer to determine the magnitudes of the non-pulsatile components at the individual light sensors in the row of light sensors, to determine if the non-pulsatile component transitions from a higher magnitude to a lower magnitude and from a lower magnitude to a higher magnitude, and if so, to determine if the first intensity should be changed to a second intensity.

Abstract: A surgical system used to determine a size of a vessel within a region proximate to a working end of a surgical instrument includes at least one light emitter disposed at the working end, an array of light sensors disposed opposite the at least one light emitter, the array comprising a least one row of light sensors, individual light sensors in the row adapted to generate a signal comprising a pulsatile and a non-pulsatile component, and a controller coupled to the array, the controller comprising a splitter to separate the pulsatile component from the non-pulsatile component, and an analyzer to determine the magnitudes of the pulsatile and non-pulsatile components at the individual light sensors, to determine a first peak magnitude and a second peak magnitude of the pulsatile components, and to determine a resting outer diameter of the vessel based on the first and second peak magnitudes.

Abstract: An acoustic driver system includes an active acoustic driver and a passive acoustic driver. The active acoustic driver is configured to produce oscillating acoustic energy. The passive acoustic driver is acoustically connected to the active acoustic driver and is configured to receive the oscillating acoustic energy and to convert it into shear waves. The passive acoustic driver includes a housing member and a vibrating member. The housing member includes a housing member cavity. The vibrating member is disposed at least partially within the housing member cavity. The vibrating member permanently retains a curved shape while disposed within the housing member cavity.

Abstract: An instrumented surgical tool and associated systems and methods for performing surgical procedures such as tissue dissection or ligation using the instrumented surgical tool are described. In particular, a surgical tool operatively connected to a sensor used to detect a structural artifact such as the presence and characteristics of a blood vessel and to evaluate the safe use of the surgical tool within a surgical field is described.

Abstract: An acoustic driver system includes an active acoustic driver and a passive acoustic driver. The active acoustic driver is configured to produce oscillating acoustic energy. The passive acoustic driver is acoustically connected to the active acoustic driver and is configured to receive the oscillating acoustic energy and to convert it into shear waves. The passive acoustic driver includes a housing member and a vibrating member. The housing member includes a housing member cavity. The vibrating member is disposed at least partially within the housing member cavity. The vibrating member permanently retains a curved shape while disposed within the housing member cavity.