Synergistic Suture Placement System for Spinal Surgery

Publication ID: 24-11857179_0003_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Synergistic Combinations

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Synergistic Suture Placement System for Spinal Surgery,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857179_0003_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857179_0003_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. 11,857,179.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present disclosure relates to a novel system for suture placement in spinal surgery, combining a suturing device with advanced technologies such as computer vision, AI, IoT, and blockchain to improve surgical outcomes and provide real-time feedback to surgeons.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent relates to devices and methods for suture placement, specifically addressing the challenge of durotomy during spinal surgery. However, the original patent's limitations lie in its reliance on manual operation and lack of real-time feedback. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by integrating advanced technologies to provide a more efficient, accurate, and secure system for suture placement.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The synergistic suture placement system comprises a suturing device with a curved needle, an actuator, and a needle holder. The system integrates a computer vision module to track tissue movement and provide real-time feedback to the surgeon. An AI-powered algorithm predicts optimal suture placement based on real-time tissue movement data. Additionally, an IoT sensor is embedded in the curved needle holder to monitor needle movement and provide real-time feedback to the surgeon. The system also utilizes a blockchain-based data storage system to securely store surgical procedure data. The inventive concept enables real-time guidance for optimal suture placement, reducing the risk of durotomy and improving surgical outcomes.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel combinations of advanced technologies, such as computer vision, AI, IoT, and blockchain, which are not obvious from the original patent. The integration of these technologies with the suturing device provides a non-obvious solution to the problem of durotomy during spinal surgery.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include integrating the suturing device with a robotic surgical system, utilizing different types of sensors or algorithms, or incorporating additional features such as real-time suture tension monitoring or automated suture material selection.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The synergistic suture placement system has significant commercial potential in the spinal surgery market, with potential applications in hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers. The system's ability to improve surgical outcomes, reduce complications, and provide real-time feedback to surgeons could lead to increased adoption and market share.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B17/0625
A A61 A61B17/0469
A A61 A61B17/062
A A61 A61B17/06004
A A61 A61B17/06066
A A61 A61B17/06109
A A61 A61B17/06114
A A61 A61B2017/00738
A A61 A61B2017/00867
A A61 A61B2017/00946
A A61 A61B2017/0472
A A61 A61B2017/0474
A A61 A61B2017/0608
A A61 A61B2017/06052
A A61 A61B2017/06057

Field of Art

Surgical instrumentation and medical device technologies, specifically focused on minimally invasive surgical techniques for suture placement and tissue repair, with expertise in biomechanical design, medical imaging, and surgical robotics

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or surgical device designer with advanced degrees in bioengineering, mechanical engineering, or medical technologies, possessing comprehensive knowledge of surgical instrumentation, computer-assisted medical technologies, and advanced sensing systems

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that integrating computer vision, AI, and IoT technologies into existing surgical suturing devices represents a predictable technological evolution. The source patent's detailed suture placement methodology provides a clear foundation for enhancing surgical precision through advanced monitoring and guidance technologies. The proposed variations represent incremental improvements using well-established technological integration strategies common in medical device development.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Curved needle insertion method with precise needle holder engagement
PTD Variation
Adding computer vision tracking for needle movement and tissue interaction
Obviousness Reasoning
Predictable application of sensing technologies to improve existing mechanical precision, representing a known technique for enhancing surgical instrumentation performance
Source Patent Element
Suture placement device with specific needle retention mechanisms
PTD Variation
Incorporating IoT sensors to monitor needle movement and provide real-time surgical feedback
Obviousness Reasoning
Logical extension of existing device monitoring principles, utilizing standard sensor integration techniques to enhance surgical precision
Source Patent Element
Surgical device designed for minimally invasive tissue repair
PTD Variation
Integrating AI-powered algorithmic guidance for optimal suture placement
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying machine learning to surgical device performance represents a standard approach to improving medical technology through computational analysis
Source Patent Element
Surgical needle and suture placement methodology
PTD Variation
Blockchain-based secure data storage for surgical procedure documentation
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing standardized data management technologies represents an obvious solution for improving medical record keeping and procedural tracking
Source Patent Element
Curved needle suturing device with specific mechanical design
PTD Variation
Robotic surgical system integration with advanced sensing and guidance capabilities
Obviousness Reasoning
Combining surgical instrumentation with robotic technologies represents a predictable technological progression in minimally invasive surgical techniques
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857179 and the disclosed technological variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the proposed suture placement system variations obvious and non-patentable. The incremental technological enhancements represent predictable combinations of known surgical device technologies, computational guidance systems, and sensing methodologies, thereby rendering potential claims obvious under standard 35 U.S.C. Section 103 obviousness analysis.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,179
TitleDevices and methods for suture placement
Assignee(s)DURATAP LLC