Enhanced Orthopaedic Stapler System with Adaptive Features
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept discloses a series of direct improvements and enhancements to the original orthopaedic stapler, focusing on increased versatility, precision, and safety. The new system incorporates adjustable beam portion curvature, pre-drilling capabilities, enhanced gripping, modular design, and integrated sensing technology.
Background and Problem Solved
The original orthopaedic stapler patent (PCT/EP2019/056664) provided a valuable solution for orthopaedic surgeons, but it had limitations in terms of adaptability to varying bone densities and anatomical structures. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing innovative features that improve the stapling process, reduce complications, and expand the range of surgical applications.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced orthopaedic stapler system comprises multiple components and features that work in synergy to provide a more effective and efficient stapling experience. The adjustable beam portion curvature allows surgeons to accommodate different bone densities, while the pre-drilling capability using guide wires and centring holes ensures precise alignment and minimizes tissue damage. The textured surfaces on the ring portions of the orthopaedic pliers enhance gripping capability, reducing slippage during procedures. The modular design enables the use of interchangeable orthopaedic staples with varying beam portion lengths and insertion bracket angles, catering to diverse anatomical structures and surgical requirements. Furthermore, the integrated sensing technology embedded in the orthopaedic pliers detects and responds to variations in bone density, enabling real-time adjustment of stapling force and technique.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces a paradigm shift in orthopaedic stapling by incorporating adaptive features that address the inherent limitations of the original patent. The adjustable beam portion curvature, pre-drilling capability, enhanced gripping, modular design, and integrated sensing technology collectively provide a novel and non-obvious solution that significantly improves the stapling process.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different materials or coatings for the orthopaedic staple, varying geometries for the beam portion and insertion brackets, or alternative sensing technologies. Additionally, the modular design could be expanded to accommodate different types of orthopaedic implants or surgical instruments.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced orthopaedic stapler system has significant commercial potential in the orthopaedic surgery market, with potential applications in spinal, joint, and trauma procedures. The system's adaptability and precision make it an attractive solution for surgeons and hospitals seeking to improve patient outcomes and reduce complications.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/0642 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/0682 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/8872 |
| A | A61 | A61B90/03 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/0644 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/115 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00473 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0645 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/037 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Orthopaedic surgical instrumentation, specifically focusing on bone stapling technologies involving precision medical devices for surgical fixation and bone reconstruction
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthopaedic surgical instrument designer with advanced degree, 5-10 years experience in medical device design, familiar with surgical biomechanics, materials science, and precision mechanical engineering principles
Obviousness Rationale
A skilled practitioner would recognize that the disclosed variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the base orthopaedic stapler design, utilizing standard design optimization techniques and known surgical instrument enhancement strategies. The modifications represent incremental adaptations that would be apparent to a person skilled in medical device design when seeking to improve surgical precision and patient outcomes. The technical variations demonstrate logical extensions of the source patent's core mechanical and functional principles.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,180 |
|---|---|
| Title | Orthopaedic stapler |
| Assignee(s) | Orthofix S.R.L. |