Enhanced Forceps for Internal Fixation
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A novel forceps design for internal fixation, offering improved ergonomics, interchangeability, and magnetic attraction to enhance surgical efficiency and reduce tissue damage.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent's forceps for internal fixation had limitations in terms of grip strength, versatility, and assembly/disassembly convenience. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing ergonomic grips, interchangeable holding portions, and magnetic attraction between the forceps and the third member, thereby improving the overall surgical experience.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced forceps comprise a first member with an ergonomically designed grip, reducing fatigue and improving grip strength. The first and second holding portions are designed to be interchangeable, allowing for efficient use in various surgical procedures. Additionally, the forceps and the third member are magnetically attracted, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly. The forceps can apply a controlled amount of pressure to the bone fragments, reducing the risk of tissue damage. Furthermore, the holding portions are coated with a bio-compatible material to reduce tissue adhesion.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features such as ergonomic grips, interchangeable holding portions, magnetic attraction, controlled pressure application, and bio-compatible coatings, which are not present in the original patent. These features provide a non-obvious improvement over the existing forceps design, enhancing the overall surgical experience and reducing tissue damage.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include adjustable grip angles, customizable holding portion shapes, and integration with robotic surgical systems. Variations of the magnetic attraction mechanism could also be explored, such as using different magnetic materials or geometries.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced forceps for internal fixation have significant commercial potential in the orthopedic and surgical industries, particularly in hospitals and clinics performing osteosynthesis procedures. The improved ergonomics, versatility, and ease of use can increase surgical efficiency, reduce procedure times, and enhance patient outcomes.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/8866 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/808 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Surgical instrumentation, specifically orthopedic medical devices for bone fragment manipulation and internal fixation, requiring expertise in biomechanical design, surgical ergonomics, and medical device engineering
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthopedic surgical instrument designer with advanced degree, 5-10 years experience in medical device development, familiar with surgical tool design principles, materials science, and biomechanical constraints
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the proposed variations represent incremental improvements using standard design techniques in surgical instrumentation. The ergonomic modifications, interchangeable components, and magnetic alignment mechanisms are logical extensions of existing forceps design principles. These variations solve known limitations in surgical tools through predictable combinations of existing technical approaches.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,237 |
|---|---|
| Title | Forceps for internal fixation |
| Assignee(s) | THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF KOREA INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION |