Enhanced Surgical Instrument Systems with Integrated Technologies
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept integrates advanced technologies, such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and new materials, with surgical instruments to create a more powerful, efficient, and data-driven surgical system.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, 'Surgical instruments with combination function articulation joint arrangements,' provided a foundation for surgical stapling and cutting instruments. However, it lacked the integration of emerging technologies to enhance surgical performance, data analysis, and patient outcomes. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by combining the original patented design with distinct technologies to create a more comprehensive surgical system.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced surgical instrument system comprises a robotic-assisted surgical instrument, an AI-powered tissue analysis module, a blockchain-based data storage system, IoT connectivity, and interchangeable modules incorporating new materials. The AI module provides real-time feedback to surgeons, while the blockchain system securely stores and tracks surgical data and analytics. The IoT connectivity enables remote tracking and analysis of surgical procedures, and the modular design allows for the integration of new technologies and materials to enhance surgical performance and outcomes.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept's integration of AI, IoT, blockchain, and new materials with the original patented design constitutes a novel and non-obvious combination, providing a significant improvement over the prior art. The synergistic combination of these technologies enables a more efficient, data-driven, and patient-centric surgical system.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include integrating the AI module with other surgical instruments, using different blockchain architectures, or incorporating various IoT connectivity protocols. Variations may also include customizing the modular design for specific surgical procedures or specialties.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced surgical instrument system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of robotic-assisted surgery, surgical analytics, and personalized medicine. 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-assisted surgical systems with articulating end effectors and advanced integration technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in surgical instrument design, robotics, advanced sensor technologies, and interdisciplinary medical technology integration, holding advanced degrees and 5-10 years of professional experience
Obviousness Rationale
A person of ordinary skill would recognize that integrating emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain with existing surgical instrument designs represents a predictable extension of known technological convergence trends. The source patent's foundational surgical instrument design provides a clear technical framework for incorporating advanced digital and sensing technologies. The modular approach and systematic integration of these technologies would be considered an obvious optimization strategy for modern surgical systems.
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 |