Enhanced Handheld Electromechanical Surgical System

Publication ID: 24-11857194_0001_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Handheld Electromechanical Surgical System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857194_0001_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857194_0001_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. 11,857,194.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

An improved handheld electromechanical surgical system that enhances surgical accuracy, precision, and versatility, while reducing user fatigue and complications.

Background and Problem Solved

The original handheld electromechanical surgical system had limitations in terms of clamping force accuracy, motor speed calibration, reload design, ergonomic grip, and visualization. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by integrating a force sensor, calibrating motor speed, featuring a modular reload design, incorporating an advanced ergonomic grip, and providing real-time visualization.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced handheld electromechanical surgical system comprises a handle assembly with an integrated force sensor to detect changes in tissue resistance during a surgical procedure, enabling real-time adjustment of clamping force and improving surgical accuracy. The system's motor speed is calibrated based on the type of tissue being operated on, optimizing surgical outcomes. The modular reload design features interchangeable cartridge modules, each configured for a specific type of surgical procedure, increasing the device's versatility and convenience. The advanced ergonomic grip design with adjustable ergonomic settings reduces user fatigue and improves overall surgical performance. The integrated visualization system, comprising a high-resolution camera and display, provides real-time visual feedback to the user during a surgical procedure, enhancing surgical precision and reducing complications.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces a novel combination of features that improve the original handheld electromechanical surgical system. The integration of a force sensor, motor speed calibration, modular reload design, advanced ergonomic grip, and real-time visualization provides a non-obvious solution to the limitations of the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the type and placement of the force sensor, using different motor speed calibration algorithms, or incorporating additional features such as tissue identification or automated reload detection. Variations could also include adapting the system for use in different surgical specialties or procedures.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced handheld electromechanical surgical system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of general surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and endoscopy. The system's improved accuracy, precision, and versatility make it an attractive solution for hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B17/1155
A A61 A61B17/072
A A61 A61B17/07207
A A61 A61B17/320016
A A61 A61B17/068
A A61 A61B90/98
A A61 A61B2017/00017
A A61 A61B2017/00022
A A61 A61B2017/0046
A A61 A61B2017/00119
A A61 A61B2017/00199
A A61 A61B2017/00221
A A61 A61B2017/00398
A A61 A61B2017/00411
A A61 A61B2017/00464
A A61 A61B2017/00473
A A61 A61B2017/00725
A A61 A61B2017/00734
A A61 A61B2017/07257
A A61 A61B2017/07271
A A61 A61B2017/07285
A A61 A61B2017/2903
A A61 A61B2017/2904
A A61 A61B2017/320032
A A61 A61B2090/064
A A61 A61B2090/0803
A A61 A61B2090/0811
A A61 A61B2217/007
A A61 A61B2562/0261

Field of Art

Surgical instrumentation and electromechanical medical devices, specifically focused on handheld surgical systems with advanced control and mechanical interfaces for tissue manipulation and surgical procedures

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in electromechanical systems, surgical instrument design, biomechanical interfaces, and advanced control systems for minimally invasive surgical technologies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's surgical system by applying known techniques of sensor integration, ergonomic design, and adaptive control mechanisms. The disclosed enhancements represent incremental modifications that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize surgical device performance and user experience. The technical solutions proposed are consistent with established design approaches in medical device engineering.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Controller configured to control motor and measure strain during surgical procedures
PTD Variation
Integrated force sensor to detect tissue resistance and enable real-time clamping force adjustment
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending motor control systems with additional sensing capabilities is a predictable design optimization that would be obvious to improve surgical precision and device performance
Source Patent Element
Adapter assembly and anvil assembly with variable movement capabilities
PTD Variation
Modular reload design with interchangeable cartridge modules for different surgical procedures
Obviousness Reasoning
Modular design approaches are well-known in surgical instrumentation, representing a straightforward design choice to enhance device versatility and adaptability
Source Patent Element
Motor and controller system for managing surgical device movements
PTD Variation
Motor speed calibration based on specific tissue types to optimize surgical outcomes
Obviousness Reasoning
Adaptive control strategies that adjust device parameters based on contextual input are standard engineering approaches for improving system performance
Source Patent Element
Handle assembly with basic mechanical interfaces
PTD Variation
Advanced ergonomic grip design with adjustable settings to reduce user fatigue
Obviousness Reasoning
Ergonomic improvements are a predictable evolution in medical device design, representing a known technique for enhancing user interaction and performance
Source Patent Element
Surgical device with mechanical and electrical control systems
PTD Variation
Integrated visualization system with high-resolution camera for real-time surgical feedback
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding visual feedback systems to surgical instruments is a well-established design approach for improving procedural accuracy and user awareness
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857194 and the disclosed technical variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed innovations obvious and lacking inventive step. The proposed enhancements represent predictable engineering solutions that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize surgical device performance through incremental improvements in sensing, control, ergonomics, and user interface technologies.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,194
TitleHandheld electromechanical surgical system
Assignee(s)Covidien LP