Adaptable Surgical Stapling Assemblies for Specialized Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857183_0004_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptable Surgical Stapling Assemblies for Specialized Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857183_0004_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857183_0004_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. 11,857,183.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present inventive concept relates to surgical stapling assemblies adapted for specific, narrow market or unique operational environments, such as high-security needs, disaster relief, or extreme weather conditions.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Stapling assembly components having metal substrates and plastic bodies', provides a general solution for surgical stapling and cutting instruments. However, it lacks adaptations for specialized environments, where the devices may be exposed to extreme temperatures, high winds, or other harsh conditions. The present inventive concept addresses this limitation by introducing novel features and components tailored to these specific contexts.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises a range of surgical stapling assemblies, each designed to operate effectively in a particular niche environment. For instance, the high-altitude variant features a metal substrate with a specialized coating to prevent icing, while the disaster relief instrument incorporates a channel retainer with an integrated GPS module for tracking device location. Similarly, the high-security facility variant includes a metal substrate with an embedded RFID tag for tracking device usage, and the extreme weather condition cartridge features a metal substrate with a water-resistant coating. The inventive concept also encompasses a surgical stapling assembly for emergency response situations, equipped with a channel retainer having an integrated communication module for real-time video transmission.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptation of the original patent's components to address specific challenges in specialized environments. The inventive step is the introduction of novel features, such as specialized coatings, integrated GPS modules, embedded RFID tags, and water-resistant coatings, which enable the surgical stapling assemblies to operate effectively in these unique contexts.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include adaptations for other specialized environments, such as surgical stapling assemblies for use in space exploration, underwater operations, or high-radiation areas. Additionally, variations of the inventive concept could incorporate different materials, such as advanced polymers or ceramics, to enhance durability and performance in these environments.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, disaster relief, and high-security facilities. The ability to provide surgical stapling assemblies tailored to specific environments can improve patient outcomes, enhance device reliability, and increase efficiency in these critical contexts.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B17/072
A A61 A61B17/07207
A A61 A61B17/115
A A61 A61B2017/0042
A A61 A61B2017/00398
A A61 A61B2017/07214
A A61 A61B2017/07264
A A61 A61B2017/07271
A A61 A61B2017/07278
A A61 A61B2017/07285
A A61 A61B2017/2927
A A61 A61B2017/2933
A A61 A61B2034/302

Field of Art

Surgical instrument design, specifically surgical stapling and cutting devices, with expertise in mechanical engineering, materials science, and medical device manufacturing

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with advanced degree and 5-7 years experience in medical device design, familiar with surgical instrument components, materials integration, and performance optimization across varied environmental conditions

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's fundamental design of metal substrates and plastic bodies provides a modular framework easily adaptable to specialized environmental requirements. The PTD's variations represent predictable engineering modifications using known techniques of material coating, embedded electronics, and structural adaptation. These extensions demonstrate standard problem-solving approaches within surgical instrument design that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to enhance device functionality for specific use cases.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Metal substrate positioned at proximal end of channel retainer
PTD Variation
Metal substrate with embedded RFID tag or GPS module
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating tracking electronics into existing metal substrate represents a predictable design modification using known miniaturization and embedding techniques
Source Patent Element
Plastic body extending between proximal and distal ends
PTD Variation
Plastic body adapted for specific environmental conditions like low pressure or high wind resistance
Obviousness Reasoning
Material selection and structural modification to enhance performance in specialized environments is a routine engineering design choice
Source Patent Element
Stamped metal components with lateral flanges
PTD Variation
Metal substrate with specialized coating to prevent icing or enhance water resistance
Obviousness Reasoning
Surface treatment and coating technologies are well-established methods for modifying material properties in predictable ways
Source Patent Element
Channel retainer configured for attachment between handle and end effector
PTD Variation
Channel retainer with integrated communication module for video transmission
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding communication capabilities represents a straightforward technological enhancement using standard electronic integration techniques
Source Patent Element
Surgical stapling device with modular metal and plastic components
PTD Variation
Adaptations for high-security, disaster relief, and emergency response environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Contextual adaptation of existing device architecture through incremental feature additions is a standard engineering problem-solving approach
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857183's disclosure of surgical stapling device components, the present publication demonstrates that variations incorporating environmental adaptations, tracking technologies, and specialized coatings would be obvious to a person having ordinary skill in surgical instrument design. The disclosed modifications represent predictable engineering solutions using known techniques of material science, electronics integration, and structural adaptation, thereby rendering potential patent claims obvious and anticipatable as a matter of law.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,183
TitleStapling assembly components having metal substrates and plastic bodies
Assignee(s)Cilag GmbH International