Articulated Surgical Instruments for Niche Environments
Legal Citation
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
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
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
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,189 |
|---|---|
| Title | Surgical instrument including first and second articulation joints |
| Assignee(s) | Cilag GmbH International |