Enhanced Surgical Instrument Systems through Synergistic Combinations
Legal Citation
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
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
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
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,182 |
|---|---|
| Title | Surgical instruments with combination function articulation joint arrangements |
| Assignee(s) | Cilag GmbH International |