Adaptive Surgical Stapling Devices for Niche Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857181_0009_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Surgical Stapling Devices for Niche Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857181_0009_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857181_0009_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

This inventive concept adapts robotic surgical stapling devices for specific, narrow market needs, such as high-altitude, disaster relief, high-security, extreme weather, and confined spaces, ensuring optimal performance and safety in these unique operational environments.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Robotically-controlled shaft based rotary drive systems for surgical instruments,' provides a general framework for robotic surgical stapling devices. However, these devices may not perform optimally or safely in specific, niche environments. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by adapting the original design for these unique operational scenarios, providing a tailored solution for each environment.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept comprises a series of specialized variations of the original robotic surgical stapling device, each tailored to a specific niche environment. For high-altitude, low-oxygen environments, the device integrates an oxygen sensor and adjusts staple deployment based on ambient oxygen levels. In disaster relief scenarios, the system features a portable, self-contained power source and remote monitoring capabilities. For high-security environments, the instrument includes encrypted data storage and secure authentication protocols. In extreme weather conditions, the device is weather-resistant and temperature-controlled. Finally, for confined spaces, the device features a compact, ergonomic design and a specialized end effector for navigating narrow anatomical passages. Each variation is designed to ensure optimal performance, safety, and user experience in its respective environment.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce novel adaptations of the original robotic surgical stapling device, providing a unique combination of features tailored to specific niche environments. These adaptations are non-obvious and provide a significant improvement over the original design, enabling the device to operate safely and effectively in environments where it would otherwise be compromised.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in sensor technology, power source design, and communication protocols to further enhance the device's adaptability and performance in different environments. Additionally, the concept could be extended to other types of surgical instruments, expanding its applicability and market potential.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The adaptive surgical stapling devices have significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, disaster relief, and aerospace. The devices could be marketed to hospitals, research institutions, and government agencies operating in these niche environments, providing a competitive advantage and improved patient outcomes.

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 electronic control systems for medical interventions

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer with expertise in robotic surgical technologies, mechanical design, sensor integration, and medical device control systems, holding at least a master's degree with 3-5 years of specialized experience

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's environmental adaptations represent predictable variations of the source patent's core robotic surgical stapling technology. The disclosed modifications leverage standard engineering techniques of sensor integration, power management, and environmental hardening that are well-established in medical device design. These adaptations represent incremental improvements that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner seeking to extend the original device's functionality to specialized use cases.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Robotic surgical stapling device with rotatable end effector and shaft interface
PTD Variation
Compact design for navigating narrow anatomical passages with specialized end effector geometry
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying end effector dimensions and geometry is a routine design optimization for specific surgical environments, representing a predictable variation within known mechanical design principles
Source Patent Element
Gear mechanism with selectively engageable firing assembly interfaces
PTD Variation
Integrated sensor systems for environmental condition monitoring and adaptive performance
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding environmental sensors to control system interfaces is a standard engineering approach for creating context-aware medical devices, utilizing known electronic integration techniques
Source Patent Element
Robotic surgical instrument with shaft-based rotary drive system
PTD Variation
Portable self-contained power source with remote monitoring capabilities
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing alternative power architectures and communication protocols represents a predictable solution for extending device operational environments, utilizing standard electrical engineering design approaches
Source Patent Element
Surgical stapling device with mechanical closing and firing systems
PTD Variation
Weather-resistant housing with integrated temperature control system
Obviousness Reasoning
Environmental hardening through protective enclosures and thermal management is a standard engineering technique for extending device reliability across diverse operational conditions
Source Patent Element
Robotic surgical instrument with electronic control interfaces
PTD Variation
Secure authentication and encrypted data storage modules
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing standard cybersecurity protocols represents a predictable enhancement for medical devices, utilizing well-established information security design practices
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857181's disclosure of robotic surgical stapling technologies, 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 predictable extensions of known robotic surgical device design principles, combining standard sensor integration, power management, and environmental hardening techniques to create context-specific instrument modifications.

Original Patent Information

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