Abstract: A device, comprising: a display component; and a drive component comprising a stack of layers defining an array of display pixel conductors each connected within the stack of layers to a drive conductor by a respective radiation-sensitive channel, wherein a change in the intensity of radiation to which a radiation-sensitive channel is exposed causes a change in the electric potential at the respective display pixel conductor relative to a drive voltage applied to the drive conductor and the change in the electric potential at the respective display pixel conductor causes a change in the display of the respective pixel area of the display component.

Abstract: In the present invention, an imaging system and method for providing contrast-enhanced X-ray images of tissue includes an energy source in communication with a detector operable to generate radiological images of the tissue injected with the contrast agent, a display and a computer connected to the display and to receive the acquired images from the detector. The system is operable to acquire a number of first images of the contrast agent in the tissue, wherein the number of first images are single energy images, and a number of second images corresponding to the number of first images, wherein the second images are each a single energy image with an energy level opposite that for the first images. The first and second images are combined to generate a contrast-enhanced image with reduced exposure of the tissue and reduced time for completion of the procedure.

Abstract: A method of imaging to permit calculation of left:right striatum uptake ratios is provided, and the degree of asymmetry used to assist in the diagnosis of neurological diseases. Also provided are a method of diagnosis, method of patient selection, and method of therapy monitoring using the imaging method, and software tools for use in the method.

Abstract: A mammographic device having a support arrangement for carrying a mammographic head movably mounted on the support arrangement. The mammographic head has a breast clamping assembly, wherein the mammographic head is movably mounted on the support arrangement so as to be movable in response to forces transmittable through the breast clamping assembly via a patient's clamped breast as a result of the patient's body movements.

Abstract: A device and a related mammography method employing the device are described. The device comprises an x-ray source, an x-ray detector placed under a support plate for supporting an object and arranged to detect the x-rays coming from the x-ray source after they have passed through the object, and a positioning assembly with an arm having multiple degrees of freedom which is a collaborative robot for positioning the x-ray source with respect to the support plate. A method for performing an imaging procedure, which includes placing an object of interest on the support plate; moving the x-ray source relative to the object of interest along a non-planar trajectory to avoid collision with the object; and activating the x-ray source and the x-ray detector so as to detect the x-rays coming from the x-ray source after they have passed through the object, thus obtaining a set of x-ray images.

Abstract: In an FFS method that improves spatial resolution by moving an X-ray focal spot to multiple positions to acquire projection data, in order to provide an X-ray CT apparatus and an image reconstruction method that enables to improve spatial resolution of the entire effective field of view without reducing a rotational speed, the X-ray focal spot in the X-ray tube device 101 is shifted to acquire focal shift projection data (FFS projection data), the virtual view generation unit 126 up-samples the FFS projection data (generates a virtual view) in the view direction, and the reconstruction computing unit 127 reconstructs an image using actual data of the FFS projection data in the central region 604 closer to the image center than a predetermined boundary and using the up-sampled projection data in the peripheral region 603 outside the boundary in an image reconstruction computing process.

Abstract: Method and system for obtaining images of an object of interest using a system comprising an x-ray source facing a detector. The method and system enable the acquiring of a plurality of 2D projection images of the object of interest in a plurality of orientations. A selected 2D projection image such as the zero projection of the plurality of projections can be enhanced by using at least a subset of the plurality of tomosynthesis projection images. The obtained enhanced 2D projection image is displayed for review.

Abstract: According to one implementation of the present invention, there is provided a radiation image capturing system. The system includes, a radiation source; a plurality of radiation image capturing devices; and a console. The console manages which of the radiation image capturing devices is in a state where image capturing is possible. The console registers image capturing order information including information of which radiation image capturing device is used in the image capturing, or obtains the registered image capturing order information. When there is a radiation image capturing device in a state where image capturing is possible, regardless of a predetermined order, the console displays the icon corresponding to the image capturing order information including information of the radiation image capturing device in a manner different from the other icons.

Abstract: Method and system for generating a control signal for operating a medical device using an input device located in a determined environment, wherein the input device comprises an input sensor for generating instructions for the medical device. The method comprises identifying the orientation or location of the input device in the determined environment generating a parameter linked to the identified location or orientation of the input device in the determined environment; using the identified orientation of the medical device or the identified location of the input device to identify a relative orientation of the input device with respect to the medical device; generating a parameter linked to said relative orientation of the input device with respect to the medical device; using the input device to generate an input signal relating to an instruction for the medical device; and using the input signal in combination with the parameter to obtain the control signal for the medical device.

Abstract: A method for generating material hardening effect data is provided. Actual X-ray attenuation values of a universal phantom corresponding to different angles at each of channels may be obtained. Equivalent filtration thicknesses corresponding to each of the channels may be determined according to theoretical X-ray attenuation values and the actual X-ray attenuation values corresponding to different angles at each of the channels. Hardening effect data corresponding to a material may be generated according to a predetermined length of the material, a number of sampling points and the equivalent filtration thicknesses corresponding to each of the channels.

Abstract: A method for optimizing CT scanning parameter is disclosed. A target group may be generated from a plurality of reference information samples. Each of the reference information samples may include subject information, information indicating a scanning protocol, one or more scanning parameter values and information indicating reconstructed image quality; the target group can consist of one or more reference information samples with the same subject information and the same scanning protocol. A scanning parameter optimization may be performed according to reconstructed image qualities and scanning parameter values of reference information samples in the target group, so as to acquire a target scanning parameter value of the target group. And according to the target scanning parameter value, a reference X-ray irradiation dose corresponding to the scanning protocol and the subject information of the target group may be determined.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) apparatus includes an X-ray source configured to generate X-rays; and a detector which is configured to detect the X-rays radiated by the X-ray source, and includes a counting detection region configured to generate X-ray data corresponding to the detected X-rays according to a photon counting method, and an integrative detection region which is configured to generate the X-ray data corresponding to the detected X-rays according to a charge integration method, and is formed on an outer portion of the counting detection region with respect to a rotation axis of a gantry.

Abstract: Rotating anode X-ray tubes degrade over time because of the action of the electron beam altering the surface of the focal spot area of a rotating anode. This causes a degradation in a resulting object image, when the source is used in an imaging application. An X-ray tube housing assembly is discussed which allows the correction of such effects. In particular, an additional beam of the X-radiation, which is not used for imaging, may be used to correct such effects.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes: a radiation detection unit including an image obtaining pixel for obtaining a radiation image and a dose obtaining pixel for obtaining a radiation dose; a generating unit configured to generate calibration data for calibrating an output value of the dose obtaining pixel by comparing an output value of the image obtaining pixel and the output value of the dose obtaining pixel; and a calibration unit configured to calibrate the output value of the dose obtaining pixel by using the calibration data.

Abstract: An X-ray imager having a navigation-aid subsystem including one or more transmitters (TX), one or more receivers (RX) and one or more reflectors (RFL). A radio signal is transmitted by transmitter(TX), is then reflected off reflector RFL and is then received at receiver (RX). The received signal is then resolved into positional correction information that can be used to guide a motion of the imager's tube (S) and or detector (D) to position and/or align the tube (S) and/or detector (D) relative to each other in a desired spatial configuration to ensure optimal imaging results. The imager may be a mobile imaging system with the detector (D) portable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method in which a Foley catheter (70) or other medical tool which is equipped with ultrasound (US) sensor(s) (72) is inserted into the prostatic urethra. Based on analysis of the US signal received by these US sensors (72) as the US beams from a transrectal US (TRUS) probe (40) or other ultrasound probe sweep the field of view, it is possible to precisely detect and track these US sensors (72) in the same frame of reference as the TRUS images, thereby precisely delineating the Foley catheter and the course of the prostatic urethra. During the procedure, before each seed is dropped, the delivered dose to the prostatic urethra can be computed based on real-time tracking and segmentation of prostatic urethra and dose radiation based on previously dropped seeds and if necessary, the procedure can be re-planned automatically.

Abstract: A tracking, and point-of-view-based imaging, device (300) is configured for deriving a position of and a direction from, a location at a distal tip (106) of an elongated instrument (102), for performing coordinate system transformation in accordance with the position and direction, and for forming, from the location and based on a result of the transformation, a local view (120) that moves with the tip. The device can keep, with the movement, a field of view (128) of the local view fixed but the local view otherwise in synchrony with the position and the direction. 126 From real-time ultrasound imaging, the local view and a more overall view that includes the tip but which does not move with said tip can be displayed. The distal tip can be that of a catheter and can be outfitted with a micromanipulator for surgery aided interactively by the combination of dynamic local and overall imaging.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating a forward facing piezoelectric stylus is provided. In a representative device, a piezoelectric element is connected to a stylus shaft, wherein the stylus shaft provides connectivity from the piezoelectric element to a console device. The stylus have shape such that multiple can be fabricated simultaneously in certain steps. In some instances, the stylus is adapted such that it can be placed within a needle, allowing easier placement of the needle.

Abstract: Aspects described herein disclose devices, systems, and methods for use in contexts such as minimally invasive surgery (MIS). A device is provided herein having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and an ultrasound transducer may be disposed within the distal portion and configured to scan tissue and identify certain portions of a patent's anatomy during the scanning process. The results of the detection may be presented to an operator of the device aurally and/or visually, such as in a 3-D volumetric image. By scanning the tissue, identifying the anatomy, and presenting the results to an operator, unnecessary damage to elements of the patients anatomy may be avoided or lessened. In some aspects, multiple transducers may be positioned on the device to increase the scanning range and/or scanning accuracy of the device. The device may provide an inner channel for the passage of surgical tools while scanning tissue.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope distal end portion includes an ultrasound transducer provided at a distal end of an insertion portion, a wiring substrate electrically connected to the ultrasound transducer, a plurality of wires connected to the wiring substrate, a restricting section arranged so as to cover the wiring substrate, wiring substrate side fitting sections provided in the wiring substrate, a first restricting section side fitting section that is provided in the restricting section and fits with the wiring substrate side fitting sections.

Abstract: Wall thickness of a cavity is determined by inserting a catheter into contact with a wall of a cavity in a body of a subject. The distal segment of the catheter is provided with a contact force sensor and an ultrasound transducer. The transducer is actuated to acquire ultrasound reflection data from the wall of the cavity, and while the transducer is actuated, the catheter is reciprocated against the wall of the cavity and the contact force measured between the catheter and the wall of the cavity. The reflection data is correlated with the contact force. A set of the correlated reflection data having the highest correlation with the contact force is identified. The tissue thickness between the inner surface and the identified set of the reflection data is calculated according to the time-of-flight therebetween.

Abstract: A probe includes: a piezoelectric layer to generate ultrasonic waves, a backing layer to absorb ultrasonic waves generated at the piezoelectric layer and proceeding toward a rear, a reflective layer occupying an area smaller than an area of the piezoelectric layer and provided in between the piezoelectric layer and the backing layer to amplify the ultrasonic waves generated at the piezoelectric layer, and a lens layer to focus the ultrasonic waves proceeding toward a front of the piezoelectric layer at a certain point.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus according to a present embodiment includes driving pulse generating circuitries and a transmission control circuitry. The transmission control circuitry turns on a switching element of respective driving pulse generating circuitries of the driving pulse generating circuitries to be grounded, and thereby controls so as to make an output impedance of the respective driving pulse generating circuitries become a low impedance. The transmission control circuitry turns off the switching element of the respective driving pulse generating circuitries, and thereby controls so as to make the output impedance become a high impedance by means of a resistance value of the resistance.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus including: an image processor configured to acquire ultrasound data of an object; a controller configured to generate a wearable signal carrying information corresponding to a difference between the acquired ultrasound data and reference ultrasound data; and a communication module configured to transmit the wearable signal to a wearable device. The wearable signal is acquired by comparing the ultrasound data with the reference ultrasound data and includes information about the difference between the ultrasound data and the reference ultrasound data.

Abstract: A method for displaying stored, high-resolution, diagnostic 3D image data and 2D real time image data simultaneously, continuously and in parallel during a medical intervention of a patient utilizes an apparatus including a first unit for storing recorded diagnostic 3D image data sets and for performing dynamic coregistration thereof with a non-diagnostic 3D image data set and of the non-diagnostic 3D image data set with at least one 2D sectional data image set recorded in real time, a second unit for recording the diagnostic 3D image sets, a third unit for substantially instantaneously recording recording the real time 2D sectional image data sets, a fourth unit for displaying the diagnostic 3D image data sets processed by the coregistration, a fifth unit for displaying the real time 2D sectional image data sets, and data transfer connections.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasonic imaging apparatus of displaying functions related to the ultrasonic imaging apparatus on a display unit when the ultrasonic imaging apparatus moves, and activating a function selected by a user from among the functions displayed on the display unit. According to an embodiment, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes: a display unit configured to display one or more functions related to movement of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus when the ultrasonic imaging apparatus moves; and a controller configured to activate a function selected by a user from among the one or more functions displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a monitor with ultrasonic scanning and monitoring functions including a monitoring function module (10), a monitoring sensor (20), an ultrasonic function module (12), an ultrasonic sensor (22) and a display apparatus (3). The monitoring function module (10) is used for mentoring a common physiological parameter. The ultrasonic function module (12) is used for monitoring a detected person by ultrasonically scanning to obtain a corresponding ultrasonic image and a physiological parameter thereof. The monitoring sensor (20) is coupled to the monitoring function module (10). The ultrasonic sensor (22) is coupled to the ultrasonic function module. The display apparatus (3) is coupled to the monitoring function module and the ultrasonic function module, and receives and displays the common physiological parameter as well as the ultrasonic image and the physiological parameter thereof. Also disclosed is a corresponding monitoring method.

Abstract: A system and method and for acquiring and displaying images from different image modalities where both image sets are acquired in a sequential planar fashion and can be displayed one slice at a time on a computer screen. The operator can locate an anatomical target, such as the base of the prostate, in this image sequence. On the same screen, a live transverse ultrasound image can be acquired and the anatomical target located in the transverse image. The operator can reposition the transducer while acquiring images at intervals. A sensor detects the transducer position so the locations of the planes can be identified. Any plane can be selected from either image displayed, and the image will track in the alternate modality. The desired slice can be displayed on both images, allowing the operator to follow both images and identify pathology that may not be present in one of the images.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasound imaging apparatus and a method of processing an ultrasound image. The ultrasound imaging apparatus includes a display configured to display a moving image consisting of a plurality of ultrasound images that are played back according to a time order together with at least one icon, corresponding to at least one piece of change information for changing a display of at least one of the plurality of ultrasound images, in association with the time order.

Abstract: A surgical needle having notches in a sidewall with enhanced ultrasound reflectivity is disclosed. Indentations, ridges, projections, overhanging edges, and other structures are formed in the notches to retain small amounts of air or other reflective material as the surgical needle is passed through tissue. The additional amounts of reflective material retained by these structures will significantly enhance the ultrasound reflectivity and enhance the response to ultrasonic probing to provide an enhanced image during needle placement in a medical patient so that the needle may be accurately placed as desired. Alternatively or additionally, the notches are filled with a substance that contains air bubbles suspended in the substance wherein the suspended air bubbles provide the reflectivity enhancement. In both embodiments, the needle will be visible at any angle in which the device is used in a medical patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus and a method of operating the same. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes a data acquirer that acquires ultrasound data about an object, an image processor that generates an ultrasound image, based on the ultrasound data and generates a first marker for a first object of interest (OOI) which is not included in the generated ultrasound image, and a display that displays the generated ultrasound image and marks the first marker to correspond to a position of the first OOI.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique capable of reducing deterioration of measurement accuracy and reproducibility due to a long measurement time and acquiring an ultrasound image with high diagnostic performance in measurement of a shear wave velocity of radiation pressure elastography. In the radiation pressure elastography, information relating to a motion (fluctuation) in a measurement region is extracted while detecting a shear wave from echo signals due to irradiation of tracking pulses, and is provided to a user as reliability information indicating the reliability of a measurement result. Further, a factor of the fluctuation is specified from the extracted information, and is presented to the user. Furthermore, when arithmetically averaging plural times of measurement results, weighting is performed using the reliability information.

Abstract: Various embodiments include a system and method that enhance performance of an ultrasound system by dynamically changing an impedance of a transmit/receive switch. The system can include a transmit/receive switch and a low noise amplifier. The transmit/receive switch may be configured to switch between a transmit phase and a receive phase of an ultrasound scan. The transmit/receive switch may provide a receive signal communicated from an ultrasound transducer to a low noise amplifier when in the receive phase. An impedance of the transmit/receive switch may be dynamically adjusted by changing a resistance of the transmit/receive switch while the transmit/receive switch is in the receive phase. The low noise amplifier may be configured to amplify the receive signal. In various embodiments, a gain of the low noise amplifier is independent of the resistance of the transmit/receive switch.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a probe, a holster, and a tissue sample holder for collecting tissue samples. The probe includes a needle and a hollow cutter. The tissue sample holder includes a housing having a plurality of chambers that are configured to receive a plurality of strips connected by at least one flexible member. The flexible member is configured to permit the strips to pivot relative to each other such that the strips can shift between a flat configuration and a arcuate configuration. The tissue sample holder is rotatable to successively index each chamber to the cutter lumen such that tissue samples may be collected in the strips. The strips may be removed from the tissue sample holder and placed in a tissue sample holder container for imaging of tissue samples.

Abstract: A bimodal spinneret system including the bimodal spinneret and method for making a surgical buttress having improved characteristics are disclosed. The bimodal spinneret includes at least a distribution of hole diameters to create fibers with a more heterogeneous shear history and die swell. The system and method of using the bimodal spinneret creates a melt blown non-woven fiber mat that is cut into a surgical buttress having unique fabric properties such as differentiated load deflection behavior, flexural stiffness, polymer fiber alignment, fiber crystallinity and subsequent strength retention during in vitro degradation not attainable with unimodal spinneret hole diameters.

Abstract: Control of the endoscope in a surgical system is described. In some embodiments, the endoscope can be controlled by movement of the surgeon's head or face at a surgeon's console. In some embodiments, the endoscope can be controlled using sensors integrated with a surgeon's headrest mounted on the surgeon's console.

Abstract: An orientation device (200) for use in mitral valve repair surgery is provided and includes a catheter (202) catheter insertable percutaneously through the mitral valve into a chamber of a heart. At least one pressure sensor (216, 218) and two generally arcuate commissural arms (208, 210) are provided at or near the distal end (204) of the catheter (202). The arms (208, 210) are deployable from a stowed condition, in which the catheter (202) can be introduced percutaneously into the heart, to an operative condition in which they extend outwardly in generally opposite directions. Each arm (208, 210) is shaped to be locatable within a mitral valve commissure and has an indentation (212) shaped to extend, in use, at least partially about a mitral valve commissure to limit movement of the device (200) relative to the mitral valve in the axial direction of the catheter (202).

Abstract: A bag with one or more openings is placed within a body cavity. Excised tissue is placed within the opening of a deflated bag. One or more openings of the bag are withdrawn outside the body cavity and the bag is inflated. Instruments including laparoscopic visualization are placed within the inflated bag that remains within the body cavity. The tissue retained within the bag is morcellated/crushed/reduced and removed. The bag is deflated and removed with residual tissue/blood/fluids inside. The tissue to be removed is retained in the bag which prevents potentially harmful material such as cancerous cells from being released in the body cavity.

Abstract: An instrument for obtaining spinal rod measurements in situ includes a measurement member, a first indicating member, and a second indicating member. The measurement member measures a length between two spinal implants. The first indicating member couples with the measurement member and includes a first measurement scale coupled with a first shaft for engaging a first spinal implant of the two spinal implants. The second indicating member couples with the measurement member and includes a second measurement scale coupled with a second shaft for engaging a second spinal implant of the two spinal implants.

Abstract: A passive retrieving interosseous suture passing instrument (10) having a guide handle (13) with a proximal end for grasping and a distal end for engagement with a bone (11) to which suture (22) is to be attached. The bone (11) is provided with a first tunnel (15), and a suture retrieving arm (12) carried at the distal end of the guide handle (13) is provided with a distal tip dimensioned to be received in the first tunnel (15).

Abstract: Assemblies for securing a fractured or weakened bone within a subject's body are provided. The assembly includes a frame having an adjustable flexible member construct thereon. The adjustable flexible member construct is disposed in the frame such that the adjustable flexible member and the frame encircle the fractured or weakened bone.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preparing a tissue repair construct for a ligament reconstruction procedure using a reinforced whip-stitching are provided. The described techniques include passing a needle having suture tails attached thereto through a first surface of a graft at an origin point so that a portion of the suture tails exits on a second, opposite surface of the graft while a terminal length of the suture tails is maintained on the first surface of the graft. Multiple suture loops are formed by repeatedly passing the needle with the suture tails around opposite sides of the graft and through the first surface of the graft at subsequent entry points spaced apart along a length of the graft. Each loop is formed so that the construct is reinforced by having a terminal length of each of the suture tails disposed between the first surface of the graft and the loop.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are suture clip delivery devices that can be loaded with several flat, disk-shaped suture clips and can deploy the suture clips one after another onto respective sutures without reloading the device with additional suture clips. An exemplary device includes a handle portion with an actuation mechanism that is coupled to a shaft portion that holds and deploys the suture clips. The shaft portion includes a mandrel on which the suture clips are mounted and a retainer that restricts the suture clips from moving proximally when the actuation mechanism pulls the mandrel proximally, which causes a distal-most suture clip to slide off the mandrel and be deployed onto one or more suture. The mandrel and remaining suture clips can them move distally to prepare to deploy the next suture clip.

Abstract: A surgical device is provided, the surgical device including a first driver for performing a first movement function; a second driver for performing a second movement function; a first rotatable drive shaft configured, upon actuation, to cause selective engagement of one of the first and second drivers with a second rotatable drive shaft, wherein the second rotatable drive shaft is configured to drive the selectively engaged one of the first and second drivers. Third and fourth drivers may also be included. The drivers may function to rotate a shaft portion of the surgical device relative to, and about the longitudinal axis of, a handle; move a jaw portion relative to the shaft portion; move a first jaw relative to a second jaw; and/or move a surgical member within the second jaw.

Abstract: A process and system are disclosed for downloading sensor data, stored in a memory device of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument, to an external or remote computer device. The process may involve storing data from one or more sensors of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument in a memory device of a control unit of the surgical cutting and fastening instrument during a surgical procedure involving the surgical cutting and fastening instrument. Next, after the surgical procedure, a data link between the control unit and the remote computer device is established. Then, the sensor data can be downloaded from the control unit to the remote computer device.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for closing the base of a left atrial appendage or other tissue structure comprise a device applicator having jaws, a shaft, and a handle. First and second triggers on a handle are configured to close the jaws and a closure device in a step-wise manner where tissue penetrating fasteners within the closure device are engaged by studs on the jaws, where the studs must be released prior to the opening of the jaws.

Abstract: Barbed surgical sutures are prepared with a bioactive agent thereon. In embodiments, the bioactive agent may be an antimicrobial or clotting agent deposited within the angle formed by the barb and the suture body. Placement of the bioactive agent in the angle between the barb and suture body enhances the delivery of the bioactive agent to wound tissue at the point of contact.

Abstract: A surgical braid comprising two non-flat sections; a tape section, the tape section being generally flat, the tape section being positioned between the two non-flat sections; and the tape section comprising a single braid, and the two non-flat sections and the tape section being formed with a continuous and gap-less braid.

Abstract: A surgical device for clipping tissue can include a replaceable cartridge comprising a stack of clips contained therein and a firing drive configured to reciprocatingly eject, or deploy, the clips from the cartridge. After the clips have been deployed from the cartridge, a blocking member can be positioned to impede or block the firing drive. In at least one embodiment, the cartridge can include a biasing member configured to bias the blocking member into a firing chamber defined in the cartridge and/or surgical device. The surgical device can also include a crimping drive configured to deform a clip after it has been ejected from the cartridge. The blocking member can also be configured to impede or block the crimping drive after all of the clips from the cartridge have been used.

Abstract: A surgical instrument with a tissue-clamping end effector, where actuation of the instrument is locked out when the thickness of the tissue clamped in the end effector is not within a specified thickness range. The end effector may comprise a tissue thickness module that senses the thickness of the tissue clamped in the end effector. The surgical instrument also comprises a control circuit in communication with the tissue thickness module. The control circuit prevents actuation of a working portion of the end effector when the thickness of the tissue clamped in the end effector is not within the specified thickness range.