Specialized Systems for Large Tissue Specimen Removal in Unique Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept adapts the original system for large tissue specimen removal to cater to specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments, such as high-security needs, disaster relief, extreme weather conditions, confined or remote areas, and high-altitude, low-oxygen environments.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a system for large tissue specimen removal, but it had limitations in terms of adaptability to diverse operational environments. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by providing specialized variations of the original system, tailored to meet the specific demands of unique environments.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises four specialized systems for large tissue specimen removal: (1) a system for high-security environments featuring a secure biometric authentication mechanism and a tamper-evident seal; (2) a system for disaster relief scenarios using a portable, self-contained access cannula system and a remote-controlled robotic arm; (3) a system for extreme weather conditions with a weather-resistant and insulated elongated tubular member and a reinforced, wind-resistant containment bag; and (4) a system for high-altitude, low-oxygen environments with an oxygen-enriched insufflation system and an oxygen-permeable material. These systems ensure safe and efficient tissue specimen removal in challenging environments.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptation of the original system to specific, narrow markets or unique operational environments. The inventive step is in the integration of specialized components and features that enable the system to operate effectively in these environments, such as biometric authentication, remote-controlled robotic arms, weather-resistant materials, and oxygen-enriched insufflation systems.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the design of the access cannula, the containment bag, and the insufflation system. For example, the access cannula could be miniaturized for use in confined spaces or designed with adjustable length and diameter for use in diverse body cavities. The containment bag could be made of different materials or have varying levels of permeability to accommodate different tissue types or environmental conditions.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, disaster relief, and aerospace. The specialized systems for large tissue specimen removal can be marketed to hospitals, research institutions, and government agencies operating in unique environments, providing a competitive edge in these niche markets.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Minimally invasive surgical techniques, specifically medical devices for tissue specimen removal and surgical access systems, involving complex medical device design and surgical procedural innovations
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or surgical device designer with expertise in medical device design, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and advanced materials engineering, holding at least a master's degree with 3-5 years of specialized experience
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's fundamental tissue specimen removal system provides a modular framework that can be readily adapted to specialized environments by applying known engineering techniques and material science principles. The PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the original system's core mechanical and functional design. These adaptations demonstrate standard problem-solving approaches in medical device engineering, where core technologies are systematically modified to address specific operational constraints.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,216 |
|---|---|
| Title | Systems and methods for large tissue specimen removal |
| Assignee(s) | Covidien LP |