Tissue tension detection system

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for determining an amount of tension applied to first and second organ sections during a surgical procedure is disclosed. The apparatus includes first and second contacts on a surgical fastener applier that are operably coupled to a tension gauge and a tension indicator. The contacts may be repositionable between a retracted position and an extended position. The tension indicator may include audible and/or visual indications and/or alarms for the amount of tension applied to the first and second organ sections. Alternatively, the apparatus includes an elongate member attached to the organ sections, wherein a change in the characteristics of the member indicates an amount of tension applied to the organ sections.

1 . A method for detecting an amount tension applied to organ sections, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a member that bridges a gap at an anastomotic site and is operably associated with a first organ section and a second organ section;    moving the first organ section towards the second organ section, thereby applying tension to the organ sections;    observing the member while the tension is applied to the organ sections; and    determining the amount of tension applied to the organ sections by observing changes in characteristics of the member.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the characteristics of the member are selected from the group consisting of: color, length, width, and depth.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of: 
 stopping movement of the organ sections if the tension is greater than a predetermined value.    
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of determining the amount of tension includes the step of moving the first organ section towards the second organ section.  
   
   
       5 . A device for indicating the amount of tension applied to organ sections comprising: 
 an elongate member having opposing ends, wherein one end is attached to a first organ section and the opposing end is attached to a second organ section such that relative movement of the organ sections towards each other causes a change in the physical characteristics of the elongate member corresponding to an mount of tension applied to the first and second organ sections.    
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the device has a width and the amount of tension is proportional to a change in the width of the device.  
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the device has a length and the amount of tension is proportional to a change in the length of the device.  
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the device changes from a first color to a second color, the change in color corresponding to the tension applied to the device.  
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one end of the device separates from at least one organ section when the amount of tension exceeds a predetermined amount.