Integrated Lateral Spine Surgical System with AI, IoT, and Blockchain
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A comprehensive system for lateral spine surgical procedures, combining a surgical retractor with AI-powered navigation, IoT-enabled sensors, and blockchain-based data storage to enhance surgical corridor formation, patient safety, and data security.
Background and Problem Solved
Current lateral spine surgical procedures often lack real-time feedback, compromising surgical corridor formation and patient safety. The original patent addressed some of these limitations, but the new inventive concept takes a significant leap forward by integrating AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies to create a more robust, secure, and efficient system.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The integrated system comprises a surgical retractor with multiple armatures and blades, an AI-powered navigation module providing real-time feedback on surgical corridor formation, IoT-enabled sensors monitoring surgical progress, and a blockchain-based data storage module for secure recording of surgical procedure data. The system can also incorporate machine learning-based predictive analytics, new material-based implantable devices, and virtual reality-based surgical simulation modules.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce the synergistic combination of AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies with the surgical retractor, enabling real-time feedback, enhanced surgical corridor formation, and secure data storage. These integrations are non-obvious and provide a significant improvement over the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include variations in sensor types, AI algorithm implementations, blockchain platforms, and new material compositions. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in other surgical procedures or expanded to include additional technologies such as augmented reality or robotic assistance.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The integrated system has significant commercial potential in the spinal surgery market, with potential applications in hospitals, surgical centers, and medical research institutions. The system's enhanced safety, efficiency, and data security features can lead to increased adoption and market share.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/0206 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/025 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/7079 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00477 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0256 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Surgical instrumentation, specifically lateral spine surgical retraction systems, involving mechanical design, medical device engineering, and minimally invasive surgical technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or surgical device designer with expertise in mechanical design, medical device integration, advanced materials, and minimally invasive surgical techniques, holding a master's or doctoral degree with 3-5 years of specialized experience
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating digital technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain with existing surgical retraction systems represents a predictable technological evolution. The core mechanical retractor design remains fundamentally consistent with the source patent, while digital enhancements provide incremental improvements in surgical monitoring, data management, and procedural optimization. These technological integrations represent logical extensions of existing medical device innovation strategies.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,173 |
|---|---|
| Title | Lateral retractor system and methods of use |
| Assignee(s) | Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc. |