Adaptive Suturing Systems for Specialized Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857177_0009_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Suturing Systems for Specialized Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857177_0009_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857177_0009_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. 11,857,177.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A novel suturing system designed to accommodate unique operational environments, including high-security, extreme weather, disaster relief, limited access, and sterile settings, ensuring efficient and reliable suturing in challenging conditions.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a method and apparatus for suturing along a path, but it lacked adaptability for specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments. The present inventive concept addresses this limitation by introducing specialized variations and niche solutions, catering to the distinct requirements of various environments.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises a spiral suturing needle with enhanced tamper-evidence features for high-security environments, a driving mechanism configured to operate in secure modes, and a suture-taking-up mechanism designed for real-time monitoring in disaster relief scenarios. The system can be deployed in extreme weather conditions, with adjustments made to accommodate varying environmental factors. Additionally, the apparatus features a compact design with reduced footprint for limited access areas and incorporates sterilization protocols into the suturing process for sterile environments.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel features and configurations that are not obvious from the original patent, such as the integration of sensors for real-time monitoring, compact designs for confined spaces, and sterilization protocols for sterile environments. These advancements provide a significant improvement over the original patent, enabling the suturing system to operate effectively in a wide range of specialized environments.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include variations in the spiral suturing needle's material, geometry, or surface coatings to suit specific environments. Other possible variations include different types of sensors, compact designs, or sterilization protocols to accommodate diverse operational requirements.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The adaptive suturing system has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, disaster relief, and security. The system's ability to operate in challenging environments makes it an attractive solution for organizations requiring reliable and efficient suturing capabilities in unique settings.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B17/0469
A A61 A61B17/0491
A A61 A61B2017/00367
A A61 A61B2017/047
A A61 A61B2017/0475
A A61 A61B2017/0479
A A61 A61B2017/0496
A A61 A61B2017/0498
A A61 A61B2017/06076
A A61 A61F2002/075
A A61 A61F2240/001

Field of Art

Medical device engineering, specifically surgical instrumentation for minimally invasive suturing techniques, focusing on precision mechanical systems for needle manipulation and tissue joining

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer with expertise in surgical instrument design, mechanical engineering, and advanced medical device fabrication, possessing knowledge of surgical needle mechanics, material science, and adaptive medical technologies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations of the source patent's core suturing mechanism by adapting the fundamental design to specialized environmental contexts. The core mechanical principles of the spiral suturing needle, driving mechanism, and suture-taking-up system remain substantially unchanged, with modifications representing routine engineering adaptations to specific use cases. These variations demonstrate standard design optimization techniques commonly employed in medical device engineering to expand technological applicability.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Spiral suturing needle with inner strut and driving mechanism
PTD Variation
Integrating sensors for real-time monitoring in disaster relief scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding monitoring sensors to a surgical instrument is a known technique for enhancing operational reliability, representing a predictable application of existing sensor technologies to medical devices
Source Patent Element
Suture-taking-up mechanism with shaft and hook configuration
PTD Variation
Compact design with reduced footprint for limited access areas
Obviousness Reasoning
Miniaturizing medical instruments is a standard engineering approach, with a PHOSITA recognizing that geometric scaling represents a routine design optimization
Source Patent Element
Driving mechanism with eccentric wheel configurations
PTD Variation
Secure operational modes for high-security environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying mechanical control interfaces to enhance security represents a predictable design variation using known access control techniques
Source Patent Element
Suturing apparatus with inner strut and needle mechanism
PTD Variation
Sterilization protocol integration for sterile medical environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing standardized sterilization protocols is a well-established practice in medical device design, representing an obvious extension of existing technological capabilities
Source Patent Element
Spiral suturing needle with material and geometric configurations
PTD Variation
Environmental adaptation through material and surface coating modifications
Obviousness Reasoning
Material science approaches for environmental adaptation are standard engineering practices, representing predictable solutions to operational challenges
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ยง 103, the variations disclosed in this publication would be considered obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, when viewed in light of US Patent 11857177. The published technical disclosure demonstrates routine engineering adaptations that a skilled practitioner would find predictable and non-inventive, thereby establishing prima facie obviousness for substantially similar technological implementations.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,177
TitleMethod for suturing along path and apparatus thereof
Assignee(s)Jiangnan University