Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Enhanced Shape Control for Shapeable Medical Devices

Publication ID: 24-11857156_0001_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Shape Control for Shapeable Medical Devices,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857156_0001_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857156_0001_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,156.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

This inventive concept enhances the control and precision of shapeable medical devices, enabling more accurate and efficient navigation through tortuous pathways, and improving overall procedural outcomes.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent described a system for controlling a shapeable medical device, but it had limitations in terms of real-time feedback, steerability, and precision. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing advanced sensing and control mechanisms, robotic drivers, and data models of anatomical regions.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises a sensing module that measures the shape or position and shape of one or more parts of the shapeable medical device in real-time. This data is used by a control module to adjust the shape of the device accordingly. The system can also include a robotic driver to coordinate and drive the device, and a computer to generate a data model of an anatomical region and adjust the device's shape based on the data model and real-time feedback. The device itself can be designed with adjustable stiffness to facilitate passage through tortuous pathways.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces the use of real-time sensing and control, robotic drivers, and data models of anatomical regions to enhance the precision and control of shapeable medical devices. These advancements provide a significant improvement over the original patent, enabling more accurate and efficient navigation through complex anatomical pathways.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different sensing technologies, such as optical or electromagnetic sensors, or the integration of machine learning algorithms to optimize device control. Variations of the device design could include adjustable stiffness, or the use of different materials to enhance steerability and precision.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced shape control system for shapeable medical devices has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of minimally invasive surgery, interventional cardiology, and neurology. The market for shapeable medical devices is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for minimally invasive procedures and the need for more precise and efficient device control.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B1/00042
A A61 A61B1/00006
A A61 A61B1/008
A A61 A61B1/009
A A61 A61B1/0016
A A61 A61B1/0051
A A61 A61B34/20
A A61 A61B34/30
A A61 A61B1/0011
A A61 A61B2017/00477
A A61 A61B2034/105
A A61 A61B2034/301
A A61 A61B2090/061
A A61 A61M25/0147

Field of Art

Medical device engineering, specifically minimally invasive surgical instrumentation with shapeable/steerable capabilities, focusing on control systems for medical instruments with dynamic shape modification

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer with expertise in medical device design, robotics, sensor integration, and control systems, holding advanced degrees in bioengineering or mechanical engineering with specialized knowledge of medical instrument navigation techniques

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's disclosed variations represent predictable engineering extensions of the source patent's core shapeable medical device technology. The incremental improvements in sensing, control, and shape modification represent logical technological progressions that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to enhance medical device performance and precision. The fundamental concepts of shape-sensing and adaptive control are inherently present in the source patent, with the PTD providing straightforward implementation variations.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Shapeable instrument with tip and intermediate portions capable of shape modification
PTD Variation
Adding real-time sensing module to measure device shape and position dynamically
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating sensor feedback is a known technique for improving device control, representing a predictable enhancement to existing shapeable instrument technologies
Source Patent Element
Computer-based system for tracking instrument shape and position
PTD Variation
Incorporating robotic driver to coordinate device movement based on anatomical data model
Obviousness Reasoning
Robotic control represents a natural progression in medical device navigation, utilizing known robotics principles to enhance precision and automated movement
Source Patent Element
Historical database tracking instrument movement spaces
PTD Variation
Implementing machine learning algorithms to optimize device control based on historical movement data
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying machine learning to existing data tracking methods is an obvious optimization technique for improving predictive control capabilities
Source Patent Element
Instrument with configurable shape based on commanded parameters
PTD Variation
Introducing adjustable stiffness along device length to facilitate complex anatomical navigation
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying material properties to enhance navigability is a standard design approach in medical device engineering with predictable performance outcomes
Source Patent Element
Shape modification based on commanded catheter configurations
PTD Variation
Dynamic tension adjustment of pullwires in response to real-time sensing feedback
Obviousness Reasoning
Pullwire tension control is a well-established method for shape modification, representing a known technique for implementing responsive device steering
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ยง 103, the variations disclosed in this Published Technical Disclosure would have been obvious to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art at the time of invention, when considered in light of US Patent 11857156, as the claimed innovations represent predictable engineering extensions employing known techniques to enhance shapeable medical device control and navigation capabilities.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,156
TitleMethods and devices for controlling a shapeable medical device
Assignee(s)Auris Health, Inc.