Enhanced Surgical Stapling Device with Improved Shipping Cap Management
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept presents a surgical stapling device with advanced features for shipping cap management, ensuring proper installation and minimizing potential errors. The device incorporates visual, audible, or tactile indicators to confirm shipping cap removal, and a status indicator for graphical user interface display.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent described a surgical stapling device with a shipping cap, but it lacked clear indication of proper cap removal, leading to potential misinstallation and device malfunction. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by introducing indicators that ensure correct shipping cap management.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced surgical stapling device features an elongate body portion with an end effector supporting a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly includes a shipping cap that remains secured until proper installation on the device. The device incorporates one or more of the following indicators: a visual indicator that shows when the shipping cap is properly removed, an audible indicator that sounds upon cap removal, a tactile indicator providing a physical sensation upon cap removal, or a status indicator displaying the cap's status on a graphical user interface. These indicators ensure correct shipping cap management and minimize the risk of misinstallation.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces a novel combination of indicators that confirm proper shipping cap removal, which is not present in the original patent. The inventive step lies in the integration of these indicators, providing a more reliable and user-friendly surgical stapling device.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include different types of indicators, such as haptic feedback or LED lights. The device could also be adapted for use with various types of surgical procedures or anatomical locations. Additionally, the indicators could be integrated into the device's handle or other components.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced surgical stapling device has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The device's improved safety features and user-friendly design make it an attractive option for hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/072 |
| A | A61 | A61B90/03 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/07271 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/038 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Surgical instrumentation, specifically surgical stapling devices with complex mechanical and user interaction features, requiring advanced mechanical engineering, biomedical design, and human factors expertise
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with expertise in surgical device design, mechanical engineering background, understanding of medical device usability, and knowledge of user interaction principles for medical instrumentation
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that adding user confirmation mechanisms to a surgical stapling device represents a predictable design improvement addressing known usability challenges. The proposed indicators are standard human-machine interaction techniques that would be readily conceived by a skilled practitioner seeking to enhance device reliability and user confidence. The technical variations represent incremental design modifications using well-established interaction design principles.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,185 |
|---|---|
| Title | Surgical stapling device with shipping cap |
| Assignee(s) | Covidien LP |