An end effector for use with a surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw to grasp tissue therebetween, and a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge comprises staples deployable into the tissue. The end effector further comprises a magnetic sensor configured to measure a parameter indicative of an identifying characteristic of the staple cartridge, an impedance sensor configured to measure a parameter indicative of an impedance of the tissue, and a processing unit in communication with the impedance sensor. The processing unit is configured to determine a property of the tissue based on an output of the impedance sensor.

A device and method for testing for the presence of liquid in a cannula of a medical instrument is described. The device includes a flexible guide member having a first end, a second end and a length extending from the first end to the second end, an elongated member arranged within the flexible guide member, and an absorbent material attached to one of the elongated member. The flexible guide member is inserted into the cannula, the flexible guide member is manipulated to cause the absorbent material to move through the cannula. The absorbent material is analyzed for the presence of liquid.

A staple cartridge for use with a surgical stapler and surgical stapling systems are disclosed. The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body having a tissue-contacting surface. One or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) are positioned at the edges of the tissue-contacting surface. A plurality of staple drivers is located within the cartridge body each supporting a staple.

A reprocessing apparatus for cleaning and/or disinfecting a medical instrument including a fluid container for a reprocessing fluid and a reprocessing device. The reprocessing device includes: a reprocessing space in which the medical instrument is introduced for reprocessing; a fluid line for connection to at least one channel of the medical instrument, wherein the fluid line is configured to transport the reprocessing fluid to the at least one channel; a bubble introducing apparatus for introducing gas bubbles into the fluid line; and a gas bubble speed determining apparatus for determining a speed of the gas bubbles in the fluid line. The gas bubble speed determining apparatus includes a camera for capturing successive images of at least a portion of the gas bubbles in the fluid line.

A method is provided for reprocessing an internal channel of a medical device with a reprocessing system having a valve, a fluid line fluidly coupled with the valve, and at least one sensor coupled with the fluid line. The method includes performing an actuation of the valve to direct liquid through the fluid line and into the internal channel, and detecting with the at least one sensor a predetermined condition within the fluid line while the liquid is being directed into the internal channel. In response to detecting the predetermined condition, a time duration measured from the actuation of the valve is recorded. The method further includes purging the liquid from the internal channel, and directing liquid through the fluid line and into the internal channel for the time duration.

A method for monitoring cleaning of a surface includes applying an amount of transparent indicator material to an area of a surface and measuring the amount of transparent indicator material remaining on the surface. The transparent indicator material may be fixed on the surface by drying and, when a fluorescent material, may be measured through exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

An electronic system for a surgical instrument is disclosed. The electronic system comprises a main power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a primary circuit. A supplementary power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a secondary circuit. A short circuit protection circuit coupled between the main power supply circuit and the supplementary power supply circuit. The supplementary power supply circuit is configured to isolate itself from the main power supply circuit when the supplementary power supply circuit detects a short circuit condition at the secondary circuit. The supplementary power supply circuit is configured to rejoin the main power supply circuit and supply power to the secondary circuit, when the short circuit condition is remedied.

An electronic system for a surgical instrument is disclosed. The electronic system comprises a main power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a primary circuit. A supplementary power supply circuit configured to supply electrical power to a secondary circuit. A short circuit protection circuit coupled between the main power supply circuit and the supplementary power supply circuit. The supplementary power supply circuit is configured to isolate itself from the main power supply circuit when the supplementary power supply circuit detects a short circuit condition at the secondary circuit. The supplementary power supply circuit is configured to rejoin the main power supply circuit and supply power to the secondary circuit, when the short circuit condition is remedied.

A device for monitoring the effectiveness of a decontamination process, the device including a bacteria cell as the indicator test organism and optionally a substrate, where the indicator test organism may include a Mycobacteria terrae cell, and methods of using the monitoring device to evaluate the efficacy of a decontamination process.

An apparatus and method for pre-cleaning or cleaning of objects such as medical, surgical and endoscope devices especially having lumens or channels are described of a sink for holding cleaning liquid. The PLC and software controls operators, doctors, patients and instruments through every step during the procedure which includes integrated leak test automatically, integrated channel rinsing, integrated camera, automatic brush control and endoscope layers with lift system.