Neuro-Integrated Retractor System for Enhanced Lateral Spine Surgical Procedures

Publication ID: 24-11857173_0005_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Neuro-Integrated Retractor System for Enhanced Lateral Spine Surgical Procedures,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857173_0005_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857173_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. 11,857,173.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A next-generation lateral retractor system integrating real-time neural monitoring, modular design, and robotic assistance to enhance precision, dexterity, and patient safety in lateral spine surgical procedures.

Background and Problem Solved

Current lateral spine surgical procedures often rely on traditional retractors that may compromise patient safety and procedural efficiency. The original patent addressed some of these limitations, but there remains a need for a more advanced, integrated system that can provide real-time feedback and adapt to complex anatomical variations. The new inventive concept addresses this need by introducing a neuro-integrated retractor system that combines advanced technologies to revolutionize lateral spine surgery.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The Neuro-Integrated Retractor System consists of a retractor device with an integrated neural monitoring module that provides real-time feedback to the surgeon during the procedure. The system features a modular, interchangeable blade design that allows for easy customization and upgradeability. Additionally, the system can be configured to automatically adjust its position and orientation in response to real-time feedback from the neural monitoring module. The system can also be integrated with a robotic-assisted lateral spine surgical system, comprising a retractor device with integrated robotic arms that can be controlled remotely by the surgeon to perform complex procedures with enhanced precision and dexterity. Furthermore, the system can be combined with a lateral spine surgical procedure planning system, utilizing machine learning algorithms to predict optimal retractor placement and orientation based on patient-specific anatomical data.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces a paradigm shift in lateral spine surgery by integrating real-time neural monitoring, modular design, and robotic assistance. The combination of these advanced technologies provides a novel and non-obvious solution that enhances precision, dexterity, and patient safety in lateral spine surgical procedures.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the Neuro-Integrated Retractor System may include variations in the design of the neural monitoring module, the modular blade design, and the robotic assistance features. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in other surgical procedures, such as orthopedic or neurosurgical applications.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The Neuro-Integrated Retractor System has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the spinal surgery market. The system's advanced features and capabilities could revolutionize the field of lateral spine surgery, providing a competitive advantage for companies that adopt this technology. The target market includes hospitals, surgical centers, and medical device companies specializing in spinal surgery and orthopedic procedures.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B17/0206
A A61 A61B17/025
A A61 A61B17/7079
A A61 A61B2017/00477
A A61 A61B2017/0256

Field of Art

Surgical instrumentation, specifically lateral spine surgical retraction systems, involving advanced medical device design, biomechanical engineering, and minimally invasive surgical technologies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or surgical device designer with advanced degree, 5-10 years experience in orthopedic/spinal surgical technologies, familiar with robotic surgical systems, neural monitoring techniques, and modular medical device design principles

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating neural monitoring, robotic assistance, and modular design into a lateral spine retractor system represents predictable technological extensions of existing surgical retraction technologies. The source patent's foundational retractor design provides a clear framework for incorporating advanced monitoring and positioning capabilities. These technological enhancements represent logical incremental improvements within the established surgical device design paradigm.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Pivotable armature with gear-based positioning mechanism from source patent
PTD Variation
Adding robotic control interfaces to automatically adjust retractor positioning
Obviousness Reasoning
Automated positioning is a known technique in surgical robotics, and a PHOSITA would find it obvious to integrate robotic control with an existing mechanical positioning system to enhance surgical precision
Source Patent Element
Surgical retractor with interchangeable components
PTD Variation
Implementing modular blade design with neural monitoring integration
Obviousness Reasoning
Modular medical device design is a predictable approach to enhancing device flexibility, and integrating neural monitoring represents a known technique for improving surgical safety and precision
Source Patent Element
Lateral spine surgical retraction system
PTD Variation
Machine learning-based procedure planning and optimal retractor placement
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying computational predictive algorithms to surgical device positioning is a known technique in medical technology, representing an obvious extension of existing device design principles
Source Patent Element
Surgical retractor with mechanical positioning capabilities
PTD Variation
Real-time neural feedback system for automatic retractor adjustment
Obviousness Reasoning
Adaptive positioning based on real-time physiological monitoring is a predictable technological improvement in minimally invasive surgical systems
Source Patent Element
Spine surgical retraction mechanism
PTD Variation
Cross-domain adaptation for orthopedic and neurosurgical applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Device platform adaptation across related surgical domains represents a standard design approach for medical instrumentation, involving predictable technological transfer
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857173 and the disclosed technological variations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed innovations of the Neuro-Integrated Retractor System obvious and non-patentable, as the proposed enhancements represent predictable technological extensions utilizing known techniques in surgical device design, neural monitoring, and robotic assistance.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,173
TitleLateral retractor system and methods of use
Assignee(s)Zimmer Biomet Spine, Inc.