Adaptable Surgical Stapler Buttress Systems for Niche Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A surgical stapler buttress system designed for specialized, high-stress environments, featuring a variable length buttress assembly and tailored trimming features to accommodate unique operational requirements.
Background and Problem Solved
The original surgical stapler buttress patent, while effective in traditional surgical settings, lacks adaptability for use in extreme or specialized environments. The inventive concept addresses this limitation by providing a system capable of operating in high-altitude, disaster relief, high-security, extreme weather, or remote/isolated environments.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The adaptable surgical stapler buttress system comprises a variable length buttress assembly, which can be trimmed to a predetermined length using specialized cutting tools or features tailored to the specific environment. For high-altitude environments, the system is adapted to operate in low-oxygen conditions. In disaster relief operations, the buttress assembly can be deployed in a variable length configuration to accommodate damaged tissue. In high-security environments, the system features a tamper-evident housing to prevent unauthorized access. For extreme weather conditions, the system includes a weather-resistant housing and trimming features adapted for wet or icy conditions. In remote or isolated environments, the system incorporates a self-contained power source to operate the buttress assembly independently.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces the concept of adaptability to specialized environments, which is not present in the original patent. The specific trimming features, housing designs, and power sources tailored to each environment demonstrate a non-obvious, innovative approach to surgical stapler buttress systems.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include modular trimming features, interchangeable buttress assemblies, or adaptive power sources to further expand the system's versatility. Variations could include integrating sensors to monitor environmental conditions or incorporating advanced materials for enhanced durability.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptable surgical stapler buttress system has significant commercial potential in various industries, including disaster relief, high-security medical facilities, remote or isolated medical centers, and extreme weather rescue operations. The system's ability to operate effectively in unique environments addresses a significant gap in the market, providing a competitive advantage for manufacturers and medical providers.
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 systems with buttress assemblies, requiring expertise in medical device design, surgical tool engineering, and biomechanical adaptation
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or surgical device designer with advanced degree, 5-10 years experience in medical device development, familiar with surgical stapler technologies, material science, and environmental adaptation strategies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's variable length buttress assembly provides a foundational design that can be readily adapted to specialized environments using standard engineering techniques. The core trimming mechanism and modular design principles disclosed in the original patent inherently suggest potential variations for different operational contexts. The PTD's environmental adaptations represent predictable extensions of existing surgical stapler buttress technology using known design modification strategies.
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 |