AI-Integrated Systems for Enhanced Tissue Specimen Removal

Publication ID: 24-11857216_0003_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Synergistic Combinations

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “AI-Integrated Systems for Enhanced Tissue Specimen Removal,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857216_0003_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857216_0003_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. 11,857,216.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present inventive concept integrates AI, IoT, blockchain, and advanced materials to create a more efficient, secure, and optimized system for large tissue specimen removal in minimally-invasive surgical procedures.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent's systems and methods for large tissue specimen removal, while effective, have limitations in terms of tissue fragmentation detection, specimen handling and storage tracking, and workflow optimization. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating advanced technologies to provide a more comprehensive and efficient solution.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The AI-integrated system comprises an access cannula with a blockchain-secured data logging module to track specimen handling and storage, and a containment bag with an integrated AI-powered sensor to detect tissue fragmentation and optimize specimen breakdown. The system also utilizes IoT-enabled surgical instruments and a novel, nanomaterial-based containment bag to facilitate efficient and secure specimen retrieval. Additionally, a machine learning-based predictive analytics module forecasts tissue specimen fragmentation and optimizes surgical workflow.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The integration of AI, IoT, blockchain, and advanced materials in a single system for large tissue specimen removal, as well as the specific combinations and implementations described in the new claims, constitute the novel and non-obvious aspects of the inventive concept.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include the use of different AI algorithms, IoT protocols, or blockchain platforms. Variations may involve the incorporation of additional sensors, such as temperature or pressure sensors, to further enhance the system's functionality.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The AI-integrated system for enhanced tissue specimen removal has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of minimally-invasive surgical procedures, tissue specimen retrieval, and surgical workflow optimization.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B17/3421
A A61 A61B17/00234
A A61 A61B2017/00287
A A61 A61B2017/320024
A A61 A61B2017/320775
A A61 A61B2017/3484
A A61 A61B2017/3486

Field of Art

Minimally invasive surgical technologies, specifically medical devices for tissue specimen removal and handling, requiring expertise in medical device design, surgical instrumentation, and advanced materials engineering

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degrees, experience in surgical instrument development, knowledge of minimally invasive surgical techniques, and familiarity with emerging technologies like AI and IoT in medical applications

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating digital technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT into existing surgical specimen removal systems represents a predictable extension of known medical device innovation strategies. The core mechanical functionality of the source patent's tissue specimen removal system provides a clear technological foundation for incorporating advanced digital monitoring and optimization technologies. The proposed variations represent incremental improvements using well-established interdisciplinary engineering approaches.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Access cannula with engagement fingers for tissue specimen removal
PTD Variation
Adding blockchain-secured data logging module to track specimen handling
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating digital tracking into medical devices is a known technique for improving procedural documentation and traceability, representing a predictable application of information technology to existing surgical instrumentation
Source Patent Element
Containment bag for tissue specimen management
PTD Variation
Incorporating AI-powered sensor to detect tissue fragmentation
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding sensor-based monitoring to medical devices is a standard approach for enhancing procedural intelligence, with clear technological precedents in medical device design
Source Patent Element
Minimally invasive surgical system for tissue removal
PTD Variation
Implementing machine learning predictive analytics for surgical workflow optimization
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying machine learning to surgical workflow represents a logical extension of existing computational approaches in medical technology, utilizing finite identified solutions for performance improvement
Source Patent Element
Tubular medical device with configurable components
PTD Variation
Utilizing shape-memory alloy framework for adaptive specimen containment
Obviousness Reasoning
Advanced materials that provide dynamic configurability are well-known in medical device design, representing a predictable solution for improving device flexibility
Source Patent Element
Surgical specimen handling system
PTD Variation
Integrating IoT-enabled instruments with decentralized data management
Obviousness Reasoning
Connecting medical devices to networked information systems is a standard technological progression, representing an obvious combination of existing communication and medical technologies
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ยง 103, the variations disclosed in this publication would be considered obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, when viewed in light of US Patent 11857216. The incremental technological extensions represent predictable applications of known digital technologies to existing surgical specimen removal systems, lacking the requisite non-obviousness for patent protection.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,216
TitleSystems and methods for large tissue specimen removal
Assignee(s)Covidien LP