Enhanced Surgical Instrument Systems through Synergistic Combinations

Publication ID: 24-11857182_0003_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Synergistic Combinations

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Surgical Instrument Systems through Synergistic Combinations,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857182_0003_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857182_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. 11,857,182.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present inventive concept relates to the integration of surgical instruments with advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and novel materials to create more powerful and efficient systems for surgical procedures.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed surgical instruments with combination function articulation joint arrangements, but these instruments have limitations in terms of precision, flexibility, and data management. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by integrating distinct technologies to create a more advanced and secure system.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises a surgical instrument system integrating a robotic-assisted surgical instrument, a machine learning-based tissue analysis module, and a blockchain-based data storage unit for secure and transparent data management during surgical procedures. Alternatively, the system may include IoT-enabled sensors, AI-driven predictive analytics, and advanced material-based staple cartridges for optimizing surgical stapling and cutting operations. The system may also feature a modular surgical instrument platform integrating a surgical stapling and cutting instrument, an AI-powered surgical guidance system, and a novel nanomaterial-based coating for enhanced biocompatibility and reduced tissue adhesion.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The inventive concept's novelty lies in the synergistic combination of advanced technologies with surgical instruments, providing a more powerful and efficient system for surgical procedures. The inventive step is the integration of these distinct technologies to create a system that is more than the sum of its parts.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Other embodiments of the inventive concept may include the integration of additional technologies such as virtual or augmented reality, 3D printing, or advanced robotics. The system may also be adapted for use in various surgical procedures, including laparoscopic, endoscopic, or robotic-assisted surgeries.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of surgical instrumentation, data management, and analytics. The target market includes hospitals, surgical centers, and medical research institutions.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B17/0686
A A61 A61B17/00234
A A61 A61B17/068
A A61 A61B17/072
A A61 A61B17/07207
A A61 A61B17/29
A A61 A61B17/320092
A A61 A61B34/30
A A61 A61B2017/00314
A A61 A61B2017/00323
A A61 A61B2017/00336
A A61 A61B2017/00367
A A61 A61B2017/00389
A A61 A61B2017/00398
A A61 A61B2017/00477
A A61 A61B2017/07214
A A61 A61B2017/07257
A A61 A61B2017/07271
A A61 A61B2017/07278
A A61 A61B2017/07285
A A61 A61B2017/2927
A A61 A61B2017/320071
A A61 A61B2017/320093
A A61 A61B2017/320094
A A61 A61B2017/320095
A A61 A61B2017/320097
A A61 A61B2034/301

Field of Art

Surgical instrument design and medical device technologies, specifically robotic and minimally invasive surgical systems with articulating end effectors and advanced technological integrations

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in surgical instrument design, robotics, advanced materials, and digital health technologies, holding advanced degrees and 5-10 years of industry experience

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating advanced digital technologies with existing surgical instrument platforms represents a predictable and incremental innovation. The source patent's articulating surgical instrument provides a natural foundation for incorporating AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies to enhance functionality and data management. The technical variations disclosed in the PTD represent logical extensions of existing surgical instrument design principles using well-known technological integration strategies.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Surgical instrument with articulation joint and end effector for stapling and cutting
PTD Variation
Adding AI-powered surgical guidance system and machine learning tissue analysis module
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating AI and machine learning into surgical instruments is a known technique for improving precision and diagnostic capabilities, representing a predictable technological enhancement
Source Patent Element
Surgical instrument shaft assembly with flexible actuators
PTD Variation
Incorporating IoT-enabled sensors and blockchain-based data storage for real-time monitoring
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding sensor and data management technologies to medical devices is a standard approach for improving performance tracking and surgical documentation
Source Patent Element
Surgical end effector with staple cartridge support
PTD Variation
Implementing nanomaterial-based coating for enhanced biocompatibility
Obviousness Reasoning
Surface modification using advanced materials is a routine design optimization strategy in medical device development with predictable performance improvements
Source Patent Element
Articulation joint configuration for surgical instruments
PTD Variation
Introducing shape-memory alloy-based articulation joint for enhanced flexibility
Obviousness Reasoning
Exploring alternative material technologies for joint mechanisms represents an obvious design iteration for improving surgical instrument performance
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857182 and the disclosed technological variations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed surgical instrument system combinations obvious and anticipated. The incremental technological integrations represent predictable extensions of existing surgical instrument design principles, thereby rendering potential patent claims obvious under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,182
TitleSurgical instruments with combination function articulation joint arrangements
Assignee(s)Cilag GmbH International