Articulated Surgical Instruments for Niche Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857189_0004_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Articulated Surgical Instruments for Niche Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857189_0004_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857189_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. 11,857,189.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept adapts surgical instruments for specialized, high-stakes environments, enhancing dexterity and precision in disaster relief, high-security, extreme weather, and search and rescue operations.

Background and Problem Solved

Minimally invasive robotic systems have revolutionized surgery, but existing instruments are often ill-suited for unique operational environments. The original patent's design limitations hinder its applicability in niche scenarios. This inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing specialized articulation joints and configurations tailored to specific environments.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new claims introduce surgical instruments with triple-articulated shaft assemblies, enabling navigation through rubble, debris, and tight spaces. The instruments are designed for high-security environments with encrypted data transmission and weather-resistant enclosures for extreme weather conditions. These adaptations ensure precise control and dexterity in challenging settings.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The inventive concept's novelty lies in its specialized articulation joints and configurations, which provide a previously unknown level of dexterity and precision in niche environments. The triple-articulated shaft assembly and encrypted data transmission are non-obvious improvements over the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments could include instruments with adjustable articulation joints, modular components for easy customization, or integration with advanced sensing technologies. Variations could target specific industries, such as aerospace or maritime, requiring specialized adaptations.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in disaster relief, high-security, and extreme weather applications. Target markets include government agencies, search and rescue organizations, and specialized medical providers operating in challenging environments.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B17/07207
A A61 A61B17/105
A A61 A61B17/29
A A61 A61B34/30
A A61 A61B34/35
A A61 A61B34/37
A A61 A61B34/71
A A61 A61B17/00234
A A61 A61B2017/00309
A A61 A61B2017/00314
A A61 A61B2017/00398
A A61 A61B2017/00477
A A61 A61B2017/07214
A A61 A61B2017/07271
A A61 A61B2017/07278
A A61 A61B2017/2903
A A61 A61B2017/2908
A A61 A61B2017/2929

Field of Art

Minimally invasive surgical robotics, with expertise in articulated surgical instruments, robotic control systems, and advanced medical device design spanning mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, and surgical technologies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or robotics specialist with advanced degree, 5-7 years experience in medical device design, familiar with robotic surgical systems, articulation mechanisms, and adaptable instrument configurations

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's fundamental articulated surgical instrument design provides a clear technological foundation for extending functionality into specialized environments. The PTD's variations represent predictable adaptations that leverage existing articulation joint technologies by adding environmental resilience and specialized navigation capabilities. These modifications represent standard engineering problem-solving approaches within surgical robotics, utilizing known techniques to address specific operational constraints.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Shaft assembly with first and second articulation joints
PTD Variation
Triple-articulated shaft assembly for navigating complex environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding a third articulation joint is a predictable design extension enabling enhanced maneuverability, representing a straightforward mechanical modification a PHOSITA would consider for improved spatial navigation
Source Patent Element
Closure driver transmitting motion through shaft segments
PTD Variation
Encrypted data transmission during surgical procedures
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating secure communication protocols is a standard engineering approach for adapting medical devices to high-security environments, utilizing well-established cybersecurity techniques
Source Patent Element
Surgical instrument with modular shaft configuration
PTD Variation
Weather-resistant enclosures for extreme environmental conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing protective housing is a known technique for extending medical device operational capabilities, representing a predictable solution for environmental adaptation
Source Patent Element
Robotic surgical instrument with control interfaces
PTD Variation
Remote monitoring and real-time guidance systems
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating telemetry and remote monitoring represents a standard technological progression in surgical robotics, utilizing established communication and sensor integration techniques
Source Patent Element
Articulated shaft assembly with multiple segments
PTD Variation
Search and rescue instrument configuration for navigating tight spaces
Obviousness Reasoning
Optimizing instrument geometry for specific operational environments is a predictable design iteration, representing standard engineering problem-solving within medical device development
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857189's foundational teachings, the present publication demonstrates that the claimed variations in surgical instrument design represent obvious extensions readily apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art. The disclosed technical modifications constitute straightforward adaptations utilizing known mechanical, electronic, and design techniques within the surgical robotics domain, thereby rendering subsequent claims of non-obviousness unpersuasive.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,189
TitleSurgical instrument including first and second articulation joints
Assignee(s)Cilag GmbH International