Specialized Surgical Instruments for Niche Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept adapts surgical instruments for specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments, such as high-security needs, disaster relief, extreme weather conditions, space exploration, and underwater surgery.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent relates to surgical instruments with combination function articulation joint arrangements. However, these instruments may not be suitable for specific, demanding environments. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by providing specialized variations of surgical instruments tailored to meet the unique challenges of these niche environments.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a series of surgical instruments, each designed for a specific niche environment. For high-security needs, the instrument includes an encrypted data storage unit for secure storage of patient information. For disaster relief, the instrument features a waterproof coating for operation in wet environments. For extreme weather conditions, the instrument incorporates a heating element for maintaining a stable operating temperature in cold environments. For use in space exploration, the instrument includes a zero-gravity stabilization system for maintaining instrument stability in microgravity environments. For underwater surgery, the instrument has a pressure-resistant housing for operation at depths exceeding 100 meters.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features tailored to specific niche environments, which are not obvious from the original patent. These features provide a distinct advantage in their respective environments, making the inventive concept a significant improvement over the prior art.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations of the specialized features, such as different encryption protocols, waterproof coatings, or heating elements. Additionally, the inventive concept could be applied to other types of surgical instruments or medical devices, further expanding its scope.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, aerospace, and defense. The specialized surgical instruments could be marketed to organizations and individuals operating in niche environments, providing a competitive advantage in these markets.
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 |
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,182 |
|---|---|
| Title | Surgical instruments with combination function articulation joint arrangements |
| Assignee(s) | Cilag GmbH International |