Advanced Surgical Suturing Instrument with Enhanced Ergonomics and Sterilization Features
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present invention relates to an improved surgical suturing instrument that incorporates ergonomic design elements to reduce user fatigue, ensures proper sterilization, and provides versatility in accommodating various suture materials and sizes.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, 'Surgical suturing instrument,' addresses the need for efficient suturing during surgical procedures. However, the existing design has limitations, including user fatigue, potential contamination, and restricted suture material options. The new inventive concept solves these problems by introducing an ergonomic grip, a sterilization indicator, and couplers that accommodate diverse suture materials and sizes.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The advanced surgical suturing instrument comprises a handle, grasping mechanism, first jaw, second jaw, first coupler, second coupler, first strand, second strand, shaft, and cutter. The ergonomic grip is designed to reduce user fatigue during prolonged use. A sterilization indicator ensures the instrument is properly sterilized before use. The first coupler and second coupler are designed to accommodate a variety of suture materials and sizes, increasing the instrument's versatility. The instrument can also be used in conjunction with a computer-assisted guidance module to facilitate accurate suture placement and minimize tissue damage.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces the ergonomic grip, sterilization indicator, and versatile couplers, which are not present in the original patent. These features provide significant improvements in user experience, safety, and instrument adaptability.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying ergonomic grip designs, different sterilization indicator mechanisms, or adjustable couplers to accommodate a wider range of suture materials and sizes.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The advanced surgical suturing instrument has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of general surgery, orthopedics, and cardiovascular surgery. The instrument's enhanced ergonomics, sterilization features, and versatility in accommodating diverse suture materials and sizes make it an attractive solution for surgeons and medical professionals.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/0483 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/0467 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Surgical instrumentation, specifically medical devices for tissue manipulation and suturing, requiring expertise in biomedical engineering, mechanical design, and surgical procedural techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in surgical instrument design, familiar with ergonomic principles, sterilization protocols, and mechanical coupling mechanisms for medical devices
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable design improvements to the source patent's surgical suturing instrument. The ergonomic modifications, sterilization features, and versatile coupler designs are logical extensions of existing surgical instrument development principles. These variations solve known limitations in surgical instrumentation through straightforward engineering adaptations that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,178 |
|---|---|
| Title | Surgical suturing instrument |