| abstract |
A surgical instrument configured to relay a low-power signal from an end effector to a remote device is disclosed. The surgical instrument may comprise a handle, a shaft extending distally from the handle, and an end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft. A sensor may be disposed in the end effector. The sensor may generate a signal indicative of a condition at the end effector. A transmitter may be located in the end effector. The transmitter may transmit the signal from the sensor at a first power level. The signal may be received by a relay station located proximally to the shaft. The relay station is configured to retransmit the signal at a second power level, wherein the second power level is higher than the first power level. |