Adaptive Robotic Surgical Stapling Systems for Specialized Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857181_0004_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Robotic Surgical Stapling Systems for Specialized Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857181_0004_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857181_0004_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. 11,857,181.

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

SectionClassGroup
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

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

Source Patent Element
Rotatable end effector with first and second movable jaws
PTD Variation
Weather-resistant shaft and specialized environmental adaptations
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying material composition and structural characteristics is a routine design optimization process for adapting surgical instruments to specific environmental conditions
Source Patent Element
Gear mechanism with selectively engageable interfaces
PTD Variation
Secure wireless communication links with advanced encryption
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing communication security protocols represents a predictable technological enhancement for robotic medical devices, leveraging standard cybersecurity techniques
Source Patent Element
Robotic surgical stapling device with configurable firing assembly
PTD Variation
Modular design with interchangeable components for different operational environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Creating adaptable instrument platforms by developing standardized, swappable subsystems is a known approach in medical device engineering
Source Patent Element
Shaft-based rotary drive system
PTD Variation
Ruggedized design for disaster relief and low-resource settings
Obviousness Reasoning
Enhancing mechanical durability through material selection and structural reinforcement represents a standard engineering problem-solving approach
Source Patent Element
Robotic interface with multiple rotary interaction points
PTD Variation
Battery-powered portable control unit for low-resource environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Developing alternative power and control mechanisms is a predictable solution for expanding device operational flexibility
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857181's comprehensive disclosure of robotic surgical stapling device architectures, the present publication demonstrates that the claimed environmental adaptations would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention. The variations represent routine engineering modifications employing known techniques to extend the fundamental technological framework of the source patent, thereby establishing this publication as anticipatory prior art under 35 U.S.C. ยง 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,181
TitleRobotically-controlled shaft based rotary drive systems for surgical instruments
Assignee(s)Cilag GmbH International