Modular Buttress Assembly for Surgical Staplers with Real-time Length Adjustment
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A next-generation surgical stapler system featuring a modular buttress assembly with interchangeable length modules, real-time length adjustment, and advanced data analytics to optimize surgical outcomes.
Background and Problem Solved
The original surgical stapler buttress with variable length feature, disclosed in the original patent, has limitations in terms of flexibility, adjustability, and data integration. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a modular design, real-time length adjustment, and advanced data analytics to improve surgical outcomes and reduce complications.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The modular buttress assembly consists of interchangeable length modules, each with a unique identifier for automated tracking and inventory management. The system includes a sensor-equipped buttress assembly and a control unit that receives feedback from the sensor and adjusts the buttress length in real-time during a surgical procedure. The system also features a computer-implemented predictive analytics module that uses machine learning algorithms and a database of historical surgical data to predict optimal buttress lengths for various surgical procedures. Additionally, the system includes a networked surgical platform that enables real-time data exchange and collaboration between surgeons during a surgical procedure.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces a paradigm shift in surgical stapler technology by integrating modular design, real-time length adjustment, and advanced data analytics. The unique combination of these features provides a significant improvement over the original patent, enabling more precise and effective surgical procedures.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the modular design, such as using different materials or geometries for the length modules. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in other surgical procedures or medical specialties, such as orthopedic or cardiovascular surgery.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The modular buttress assembly for surgical staplers with real-time length adjustment has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of minimally invasive surgery and surgical robotics. The target market includes hospitals, surgical centers, and medical device manufacturers.
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 instrument design, specifically endoscopic surgical stapling systems with buttress assemblies, requiring advanced mechanical engineering, biomedical device design, and surgical instrumentation expertise
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with 5-7 years experience in surgical device design, familiar with medical device manufacturing, mechanical integration, and surgical procedural requirements, possessing advanced degrees in mechanical or biomedical engineering
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the modular buttress assembly with real-time length adjustment represents a predictable technological evolution of the source patent's variable length buttress concept. The disclosed variations leverage known sensor technologies, modular design principles, and data analytics techniques that are readily available in medical device engineering. The incremental improvements in tracking, adjustment, and predictive capabilities would be considered straightforward extensions of the existing surgical stapler buttress technology.
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 |