Adaptable Surgical Stapling Assemblies for Specialized Environments
Legal Citation
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
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
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
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,183 |
|---|---|
| Title | Stapling assembly components having metal substrates and plastic bodies |
| Assignee(s) | Cilag GmbH International |