Intelligent Surgical Instrument System with AI-driven Navigation and IoT-enabled Sensing
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A novel surgical instrument system integrating a robotic surgical system, AI-driven navigation, IoT-enabled sensing, and blockchain-based data storage to enhance surgical outcomes and patient safety.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, 'Articulation assemblies for surgical instruments,' addressed the need for improved articulation and dexterity in surgical stapling instruments. However, the patented invention did not fully leverage the potential of advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and blockchain. The present inventive concept solves this problem by integrating these technologies to create a more powerful and intelligent surgical instrument system.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a robotic surgical system, an end effector, a wrist assembly moveably connecting the end effector to the robotic surgical system, and an AI-driven navigation module for tracking and guiding the end effector during surgical procedures. The system further includes a blockchain-based data storage module for securely storing and tracking patient data and surgical outcomes. Additionally, the system may incorporate a sensor array for detecting tissue properties and surgical conditions, and an IoT-enabled communication module for transmitting sensor data to a remote monitoring system. The AI-driven navigation module analyzes patient data and surgical outcomes using machine learning algorithms, generating predictive models for optimizing surgical procedures and transmitting the predictive models to the surgical instrument system for real-time guidance.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce the novel combination of AI-driven navigation, IoT-enabled sensing, and blockchain-based data storage, which are not present in the original patent. The inventive step lies in the synergistic integration of these distinct technologies to create a more powerful and intelligent surgical instrument system.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include the use of different AI algorithms, sensor types, or blockchain protocols. Variations may also include the integration of additional technologies, such as nanomaterial-coated end effectors or advanced visualization systems, to further enhance the system's capabilities.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of robotic surgery, minimally invasive procedures, and patient data management. The target market includes hospitals, surgical centers, and medical research institutions.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/07207 |
| A | A61 | A61B34/30 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00367 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00477 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/07278 |
| A | A61 | A61B2034/306 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Minimally invasive surgical instrument design, specifically robotic surgical systems with articulating end effectors and wrist assemblies, requiring advanced mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, and robotics expertise
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or robotics specialist with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in surgical instrument design, familiar with robotic surgical systems, mechanical articulation mechanisms, and emerging medical technology integration techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating AI-driven navigation, IoT sensing, and blockchain data management with existing surgical instrument architectures represents a predictable technological evolution. The fundamental mechanical wrist assembly structure remains consistent with the source patent, while the proposed technological enhancements represent standard interdisciplinary integration techniques common in medical device innovation. The proposed variations demonstrate incremental improvements using known technological approaches that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to enhance surgical instrument capabilities.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,188 |
|---|---|
| Title | Articulation assemblies for surgical instruments |
| Assignee(s) | INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC. |