Adaptive Robotic Surgical Stapling Systems for Specialized Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept discloses a family of robotic surgical stapling devices and systems tailored to address specific challenges in various operational environments, including extreme weather conditions, high-security settings, disaster relief operations, sterile environments, and low-resource settings.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, 'Robotically-controlled shaft based rotary drive systems for surgical instruments', provides a foundation for robotic surgical stapling devices. However, these devices may not be suitable for use in specialized environments where unique constraints and requirements exist. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing adaptations and specialized features to enable reliable and effective surgical stapling in these environments.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept encompasses a range of robotic surgical stapling devices and systems, each designed to operate effectively in a specific environment. For example, a device for use in extreme weather conditions features a weather-resistant shaft and durable components. A device for high-security environments incorporates secure wireless communication links and advanced encryption. Devices for disaster relief operations and low-resource settings prioritize ruggedness, portability, and ease of use. Meanwhile, devices for sterile environments emphasize sterilizability and minimal contamination risk.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel adaptations and specialized features that distinguish the inventive concept from the original patent. These adaptations include weather-resistant materials, secure communication links, ruggedized designs, and sterilizable components. The inventive step lies in the recognition of the need for specialized robotic surgical stapling devices and the provision of tailored solutions to address these needs.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include devices with interchangeable components for different environments, modular designs to facilitate customization, or integration with existing robotic surgical systems. Variations may also involve the use of different materials, such as titanium or advanced polymers, to enhance durability and resistance to corrosion.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, disaster relief, and security. The ability to provide reliable and effective surgical stapling devices in specialized environments addresses a critical need and offers opportunities for market expansion and growth.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/068 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/00234 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/0684 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/072 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/07207 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/105 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/32 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/320068 |
| A | A61 | A61B34/30 |
| A | A61 | A61B18/1445 |
| A | A61 | A61B50/30 |
| A | A61 | A61B50/36 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00115 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00314 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00323 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00367 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00398 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00473 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00477 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00685 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00734 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0688 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/07257 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/07271 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/07278 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/07285 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/2905 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/2923 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/2927 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/2933 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/2937 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/2943 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/320069 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/320071 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/1455 |
| A | A61 | A61B2034/302 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/0811 |
| Y | Y10 | Y10T29/53 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Robotic surgical instrumentation, specifically surgical stapling devices with advanced mechanical and control systems, requiring expertise in mechanical engineering, robotics, medical device design, and surgical instrument technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or mechanical engineer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in medical robotics, familiar with surgical instrument design, mechanical actuation systems, and adaptable robotic platform technologies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's fundamental robotic surgical stapling device architecture provides a flexible platform for environmental adaptations. The PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of existing robotic surgical technology by applying known engineering design principles to specialized operational contexts. These modifications involve straightforward material selections, communication protocol adjustments, and structural reinforcements that would be within the ordinary skill set of a surgical robotics engineer.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,181 |
|---|---|
| Title | Robotically-controlled shaft based rotary drive systems for surgical instruments |
| Assignee(s) | Cilag GmbH International |