Adaptive Suturing Systems for Specialized Environments
Legal Citation
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
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
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
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,177 |
|---|---|
| Title | Method for suturing along path and apparatus thereof |
| Assignee(s) | Jiangnan University |