An endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical instrument comprising an end effector (12) having at least one sensor (368) and a control unit (300). The surgical instrument further comprises an electrically conductive shaft (40) having a distal end connected to the end effector. The sensor is electrically insulated from the shaft whereas the control unit is electrically coupled to said shaft (e.g. by link 400) such that the shaft is configured to radiate signals from the control unit to the sensor and to receive radiated signals from the sensor.
