#$%^&*AU2011202279B220140508.pdf#####STAPLE POSITION SENSOR SYSTEM Abstract A surgical stapling instrument (10) includes a handle assembly (20), an elongate shaft (30) extending distally from the handle assembly (20), and a tool assembly (40) 5 coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft (30). The tool assembly (40) includes a cartridge assembly (160) including a plurality of surgical staples (100) each including a code embedded portion (106, 108) and a first sensor (180) for detecting the position of the surgical staples (100) prior to and during a formation of the staples (100). The tool assembly (40) further includes an anvil assembly (150) including a second sensor (190) 1o that detects the position of the surgical staples (100) after the formation of the surgical staples (100).
