Modular Endoscope System for Advanced Medical Procedures

Publication ID: 24-11857159_0005_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Modular Endoscope System for Advanced Medical Procedures,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857159_0005_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857159_0005_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. 11,857,159.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A next-generation endoscope system featuring interchangeable lumens, advanced sensors, and autonomous navigation capabilities to revolutionize endoscopic medical procedures.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Endoscope lumen accessory and methods of use,' introduced an accessory device for targeting sites and advancing medical devices. However, this invention has limitations in terms of flexibility, real-time visualization, and autonomous navigation. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a modular endoscope system with advanced features.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The modular endoscope system consists of interchangeable lumens, each configured for a specific medical tool or function. A control unit coordinates the operation of multiple medical tools through the interchangeable lumens. The system also features advanced sensors, such as a sensor array mounted on the endoscope, which generates a 3D map of the target site. This 3D map is overlaid onto real-time video feed from the endoscope, providing enhanced visualization of the target site. Furthermore, the system includes a machine learning-based navigation module that analyzes real-time video feed and sensor data to identify optimal navigation paths. The navigation module is coupled with an actuation system that adjusts the endoscope's position and orientation in response to the navigation module's instructions. Additionally, the system can be equipped with a modular endoscope accessory for real-time tissue analysis, comprising a tissue sampling module and a data analytics module. The system can also be integrated with a robotic arm and haptic feedback system for minimally invasive procedures.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces a paradigm shift in endoscope design by incorporating modular, interchangeable lumens, advanced sensors, and autonomous navigation capabilities. These features, combined with real-time tissue analysis and robotic integration, provide a significant improvement over the original patent's accessory device.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the design of the interchangeable lumens, such as different materials, shapes, or sizes. The system could also be adapted for use in different medical specialties, such as gastroenterology or neurology. Additionally, the advanced sensors and navigation module could be integrated into existing endoscope systems as an upgrade.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The modular endoscope system has the potential to revolutionize the field of endoscopic medical procedures, offering improved flexibility, visualization, and navigation capabilities. The system could be marketed to hospitals, clinics, and medical device manufacturers, with potential applications in various medical specialties, including gastroenterology, neurology, and oncology.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B1/00137
A A61 A61B1/0014
A A61 A61B1/00097
A A61 A61B1/00098
A A61 A61B1/00101
A A61 A61B1/018

Field of Art

Medical device engineering, specifically endoscopic systems and accessory technologies for minimally invasive medical procedures, requiring advanced knowledge of mechanical design, sensor integration, and medical instrumentation

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in endoscopic technologies, familiar with mechanical design principles, sensor integration, and advanced medical instrumentation techniques, typically holding a master's or doctoral degree in biomedical engineering

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable extensions of the source patent's core endoscopic accessory concept, leveraging known technological capabilities in sensor integration, modular design, and machine learning navigation to enhance medical device functionality. The variations represent logical technological progressions that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to improve endoscopic medical tools. The disclosed innovations systematically address limitations in existing endoscopic technologies by introducing modular, sensor-enhanced, and autonomously navigable systems.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Expandable guide member with articulating arms attached to an endoscope shaft
PTD Variation
Interchangeable lumens with integrated sensor arrays and navigation capabilities
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would recognize that modular design principles are well-established in medical device engineering, and extending the source patent's articulating accessory concept to include sensor integration represents a predictable technological evolution
Source Patent Element
Endoscope shaft with attachable accessory cap
PTD Variation
Modular endoscope system with machine learning-based navigation module and actuation system
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating advanced sensor and navigation technologies into medical devices is a known technique for improving procedural precision, representing an obvious design optimization for a skilled practitioner
Source Patent Element
Medical device for targeting specific body sites
PTD Variation
3D mapping system overlaying real-time video feed with spatial positioning data
Obviousness Reasoning
Enhancing visualization through sensor-based mapping is a predictable solution for improving medical device targeting capabilities, utilizing well-understood computer vision and medical imaging techniques
Source Patent Element
Endoscopic accessory for medical procedures
PTD Variation
Robotic arm integration with haptic feedback system for minimally invasive procedures
Obviousness Reasoning
Incorporating robotic control and tactile feedback represents a logical extension of existing medical device technologies, applying known robotics principles to improve procedural control and surgeon experience
Source Patent Element
Medical device with configurable components
PTD Variation
Tissue sampling module with real-time data analytics for instant diagnostic feedback
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating diagnostic capabilities directly into medical devices is a predictable technological progression, representing an obvious enhancement for improving medical procedure efficiency
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857159 and the published technical disclosure, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations obvious, as they represent predictable technological extensions utilizing known techniques in sensor integration, modular design, and medical device engineering. The disclosed innovations constitute prima facie obviousness by systematically combining prior art elements to achieve foreseeable improvements in endoscopic medical technologies.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,159
TitleEndoscope lumen accessory and methods of use
Assignee(s)Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.