Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Autonomous Suturing System for Minimally Invasive Surgery

Publication ID: 24-11857177_0010_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Autonomous Suturing System for Minimally Invasive Surgery,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857177_0010_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857177_0010_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

An advanced suturing system integrating robotic arms, computer vision, and machine learning algorithms to enable real-time, adaptive suturing along a path, revolutionizing minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a method and apparatus for suturing along a path, but it relied on manual operation and lacked adaptability to variations in the sutured material. The present inventive concept addresses this limitation by introducing autonomous suturing capabilities, leveraging computer vision and machine learning to detect and respond to material variations in real-time.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The system comprises a robotic arm, a spiral suturing needle, a computer vision system, and a machine learning algorithm. The robotic arm moves the spiral suturing needle along the path, while the computer vision system captures image data and the machine learning algorithm processes it to detect variations in the sutured material. The system adjusts the needle's movement in real-time based on the detected variations, ensuring accurate and efficient suturing. The inventive concept also encompasses methods for real-time suturing, training machine learning algorithms, and utilizing augmented reality for visualization and guidance.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The integration of computer vision, machine learning, and robotic arms in a suturing system, enabling real-time adaptability to material variations, constitutes the novel and non-obvious aspect of the present inventive concept compared to the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include using different types of needles or materials, incorporating additional sensors or feedback mechanisms, or integrating the system with other surgical instruments or platforms. Variations may also involve adapting the system for use in different surgical procedures or specialties.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The autonomous suturing system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of minimally invasive surgery, robotic-assisted surgery, and surgical training. Target markets include hospitals, surgical centers, and medical research institutions.

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 minimally invasive surgical instrumentation with a focus on precision suturing mechanisms and robotic surgical systems

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or surgical instrument designer with advanced degrees, expertise in robotic surgical technologies, computer vision, and machine learning applications in medical device design

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating computer vision and machine learning with the existing suturing apparatus represents a predictable technological evolution in surgical robotics. The source patent's fundamental suturing mechanism provides a clear technical foundation for augmenting the system with adaptive intelligence and real-time feedback. The proposed variations represent incremental improvements using well-established techniques in medical robotics and computer-assisted surgery.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Spiral suturing needle and inner strut mechanism for path-based suturing
PTD Variation
Adding robotic arm control and computer vision tracking of needle movement
Obviousness Reasoning
Robotic arm integration is a known technique for precision surgical instrument control, representing a predictable application of existing robotic surgical technologies
Source Patent Element
Suture-taking-up mechanism with shaft and hook
PTD Variation
Implementing machine learning algorithms to dynamically adjust suturing parameters
Obviousness Reasoning
Machine learning for adaptive surgical techniques is a well-established approach in medical robotics, representing a logical extension of existing control mechanisms
Source Patent Element
Path-based suturing apparatus with driving and recovery mechanisms
PTD Variation
Incorporating augmented reality visualization of the suturing process
Obviousness Reasoning
Augmented reality visualization is a known technique in surgical navigation, providing enhanced spatial understanding through predictable technological integration
Source Patent Element
Metallic stent and inner strut configuration
PTD Variation
Flexible tubular inner strut designed for minimally invasive insertion
Obviousness Reasoning
Minimally invasive design modifications are routine design choices for surgical instruments, representing an obvious optimization of existing structural concepts
Source Patent Element
Suturing mechanism with precise movement control
PTD Variation
Real-time adaptive suturing through computer vision feedback
Obviousness Reasoning
Closed-loop feedback systems are standard in precision medical devices, representing a predictable enhancement to existing control mechanisms
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ยง 103, the variations disclosed herein would be obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, as they represent predictable technological extensions of the foundational teachings in US Patent 11857177, integrating known robotic, computer vision, and machine learning techniques into an existing suturing apparatus design.

Original Patent Information

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