IoT-Integrated Surgical Stapling Device with Enhanced Performance and Maintenance
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An innovative surgical stapling device that leverages IoT connectivity, AI-driven predictive maintenance, blockchain-based authentication, and novel biocompatible materials to optimize device performance, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance patient safety.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, 'Surgical stapling device with shipping cap', provided a solution for surgical stapling devices with shipping caps. However, the device lacked advanced features to track usage, optimize performance, and ensure secure authentication. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by integrating cutting-edge technologies to create a more powerful and efficient system.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The IoT-integrated surgical stapling device comprises a reload assembly with a cartridge assembly and a shipping cap. The shipping cap is configured to communicate with a remote server via IoT connectivity, enabling real-time tracking of device usage and maintenance schedules. The device also integrates an AI-driven predictive maintenance module that analyzes device usage data and schedules maintenance accordingly. Additionally, the device features a blockchain-based ledger to record and verify device usage and maintenance, ensuring secure authentication and tamper-proof data storage. The cartridge assembly is made from a novel material with enhanced biocompatibility and reduced tissue adhesion, further improving device performance.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce the novel combination of IoT connectivity, AI-driven predictive maintenance, blockchain-based authentication, and novel biocompatible materials, which are not present in the original patent. The integration of these distinct technologies creates a new, more powerful system that optimizes device performance, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances patient safety.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include integrating the device with a hospital's electronic health record system, using alternative blockchain platforms, or incorporating additional sensors to monitor device performance. Variations could also include adapting the device for use in different surgical procedures or developing a cloud-based analytics platform for real-time feedback and recommendations.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The IoT-integrated surgical stapling device has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of minimally invasive surgery and surgical robotics. The device's advanced features and improved performance make it an attractive solution for hospitals and healthcare providers seeking to optimize their surgical procedures and reduce costs.
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 medical devices, specifically surgical stapling technologies with a focus on device design, connectivity, and maintenance optimization in minimally invasive surgical instrumentation
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in surgical instrumentation, IoT integration, predictive maintenance technologies, and advanced materials science, holding at least a master's degree with 3-5 years of industry experience
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating IoT connectivity, predictive maintenance, and blockchain authentication into existing surgical stapling device architectures represents a natural technological progression driven by industry trends in medical device monitoring and performance optimization. The core mechanical functionality of the surgical stapling device remains fundamentally consistent with the source patent, while the proposed technological enhancements represent incremental improvements using well-established engineering techniques. These variations would be considered obvious extensions of existing medical device design principles, leveraging known technologies to enhance device performance and reliability.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,185 |
|---|---|
| Title | Surgical stapling device with shipping cap |
| Assignee(s) | Covidien LP |