Real-time Adjustable Surgical Stapler Buttress with Tissue Property Sensing
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A novel surgical stapler buttress with a variable length feature that can be adjusted in real-time during a surgical procedure based on tissue thickness measurements, ensuring consistent staple formation and minimizing bleeding.
Background and Problem Solved
The original surgical stapler buttress with a variable length feature (US Patent) has limitations in terms of its inability to adapt to changing tissue properties during a surgical procedure. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by incorporating real-time tissue property sensing and adjustable buttress length, enabling surgeons to optimize staple formation and reduce bleeding.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The novel surgical stapler buttress system comprises a buttress with a variable length feature, a sensor for measuring tissue properties, and a control system that adjusts the buttress length in real-time based on the sensor data. The system allows for accurate tissue thickness measurements, enabling the surgeon to adjust the buttress length accordingly to ensure consistent staple formation. The buttress length can be adjusted manually or automatically based on the force required to compress the tissue. Additionally, the system can apply a hemostatic agent to the buttress to minimize bleeding.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce the concept of real-time tissue property sensing and adjustable buttress length, which is not present in the original patent. The inventive step lies in the integration of sensing technology with the buttress system, enabling real-time adjustments to optimize staple formation and minimize bleeding.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept include using different types of sensors, such as ultrasound or optical sensors, to measure tissue properties. The system could also be adapted for use in different surgical procedures, such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgeries.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The novel surgical stapler buttress system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of general surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and robotic-assisted surgery. The system's ability to optimize staple formation and minimize bleeding could lead to improved patient outcomes, reduced recovery time, and decreased healthcare costs.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/07292 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0725 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/07285 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Surgical instrumentation, specifically endoscopic surgical stapling devices with buttress systems for tissue manipulation and closure
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or surgical device designer with expertise in medical device design, mechanical engineering, and advanced surgical technologies, familiar with tissue interaction mechanisms and stapling system optimization
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that integrating real-time sensing and adaptive length control into the existing surgical stapler buttress design represents a predictable engineering solution to optimize tissue stapling performance. The source patent's variable length buttress framework provides a clear foundation for incorporating sensing technologies to dynamically adjust buttress characteristics. The proposed modifications represent incremental improvements using standard sensor integration techniques known in medical device engineering.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,190 |
|---|---|
| Title | Surgical stapler buttress with variable length feature |
| Assignee(s) | Cilag GmbH International |