Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Intelligent Surgical Instrument System with Synergistic Combinations

Publication ID: 24-11857189_0008_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Synergistic Combinations

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Intelligent Surgical Instrument System with Synergistic Combinations,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857189_0008_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857189_0008_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

An innovative surgical instrument system integrating AI, IoT, blockchain, and new materials to enhance dexterity, precision, and data analysis in minimally invasive surgery.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a surgical instrument with first and second articulation joints, enabling minimally invasive surgery. However, it lacked integration with advanced technologies, limiting its capabilities. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by combining the patented instrument with AI, IoT, blockchain, and new materials, enhancing the system's precision, dexterity, and data analysis capabilities.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The intelligent surgical instrument system consists of a housing, closure driver, and shaft assembly with rotatable segments connected to a robotic arm controlled by an AI-based system. The system integrates IoT sensors for real-time data analysis and can be connected to a blockchain-based secure data storage system. Additionally, the system can be used to implant new material-based implants. The AI-based system enables precise articulation and actuation of the surgical instrument, while the IoT sensors provide real-time feedback. The blockchain-based system ensures secure data storage and analysis.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce the integration of AI, IoT, blockchain, and new materials with the patented surgical instrument, providing a synergistic combination that enhances the system's capabilities and provides a non-obvious solution to the limitations of the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include varying the type of AI-based system, IoT sensors, or blockchain-based secure data storage system used. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in different surgical specialties or integrated with other advanced technologies, such as virtual or augmented reality.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The intelligent surgical instrument system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of minimally invasive surgery, robotic-assisted surgery, and precision medicine. The system's enhanced capabilities and integration with advanced technologies make it an attractive solution for hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions.

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 and instrument design, encompassing mechanical articulation, robotic control systems, and surgical instrument engineering with expertise in multi-joint surgical tool configurations and advanced control methodologies

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 principles, and emerging technologies in medical device integration

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies with existing surgical instrument architectures represents a predictable technological evolution. The fundamental mechanical structure from the source patent provides a readily adaptable platform for incorporating advanced digital control and data management systems. These technological integrations represent incremental improvements using known techniques in robotics and medical instrumentation.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Shaft assembly with first and second rotatable shaft segments
PTD Variation
Adding AI-controlled robotic arm integration to articulate shaft segments
Obviousness Reasoning
Robotic control of surgical instruments is a known technique, and extending mechanical articulation with AI guidance represents a predictable application of existing control technologies
Source Patent Element
Closure driver transmitting mechanical motion
PTD Variation
Incorporating IoT sensors for real-time motion and performance data collection
Obviousness Reasoning
Instrumenting mechanical systems with sensor networks is a standard engineering practice for performance monitoring and optimization
Source Patent Element
Surgical instrument with modular shaft configuration
PTD Variation
Blockchain-based secure data storage and analysis system
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing secure data management in medical devices is an obvious extension of existing cybersecurity and medical record-keeping practices
Source Patent Element
Surgical instrument designed for minimally invasive procedures
PTD Variation
Integration with new material-based implants using AI-guided placement
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting surgical instruments for emerging implant technologies represents a natural progression in surgical tool design
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857189's disclosure of a surgical instrument with articulated shaft segments, the present publication demonstrates that a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the integration of AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies with existing surgical instrument architectures to be an obvious technological extension, rendering potential claims to such combinations unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. 103 as predictable variations of the prior art.

Original Patent Information

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