Synergistic Surgical Instrument System for Enhanced Bone Screw Length Estimation
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept integrates surgical instruments with AI, IoT, blockchain, and novel materials to create a more powerful system for bone screw length estimation, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of surgical procedures.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent described a surgical instrument for bone screw length estimation from drilling characteristics. However, it had limitations in terms of data security, analysis, and personalized treatment planning. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating synergistic combinations of distinct technologies.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The system comprises a surgical instrument, a blockchain-based data storage, and an AI-powered analytics module. The surgical instrument generates drilling characteristics data, which is securely stored in the blockchain-based data storage. The AI-powered analytics module analyzes the data to predict bone screw length estimation. Additionally, the system can integrate IoT-enabled surgical instruments, machine learning algorithms, real-time data analytics modules, and novel material-based implants to enhance its functionality.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a synergistic combination of AI, IoT, blockchain, and novel materials, which is not obvious from the original patent. The integration of these distinct technologies provides a new and non-obvious solution for bone screw length estimation.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include using different AI algorithms, IoT protocols, or blockchain architectures. The system could also be adapted for use in various surgical procedures or integrated with other medical devices.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The synergistic surgical instrument system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in orthopedic and spinal surgery. The system's enhanced accuracy and efficiency could lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/1626 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/1628 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/1633 |
| A | A61 | A61B90/06 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00075 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00115 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00221 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/062 |
| A | A61 | A61B2560/0223 |
| A | A61 | A61B2562/0219 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Surgical instrumentation and medical device technologies, specifically focused on bone screw length estimation techniques, requiring expertise in mechanical engineering, medical device design, sensor technologies, and data processing systems
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degrees, proficient in surgical instrument design, sensor integration, data analytics, and understanding of orthopedic surgical procedures, with knowledge of emerging technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating advanced digital technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT with existing surgical instrument measurement techniques represents a predictable evolution of the source patent's core technology. The fundamental measurement and data processing principles remain consistent, with the PTD merely applying known computational and networking technologies to enhance the original surgical instrument's functionality. The core technical problem of bone screw length estimation remains unchanged, with the PTD offering incremental technological improvements using standard engineering design approaches.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,204 |
|---|---|
| Title | Surgical instrument |
| Assignee(s) | Synthes GmbH |