Enhanced Surveillance Marker System for Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved surveillance marker system for robotic-assisted surgery, featuring real-time proximity monitoring, adjustable depth placement, and integrated illumination to enhance surgical accuracy and workflow efficiency.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a surveillance marker system for robotic-assisted surgery, which, while effective, had limitations in terms of tracking accuracy, instrument proximity monitoring, and surgical site visualization. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by integrating advanced features that improve the overall surgical experience.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced surveillance marker system comprises a surveillance marker with an integrated sensor for real-time monitoring of surgical instrument proximity, a retractable shaft for adjustable depth placement, and a built-in illumination source for enhanced visualization. The system is designed to work in conjunction with a surgical robot's control system, enabling real-time tracking and adjustment of the instrument's trajectory to minimize the risk of misplacement. The integrated sensor triggers an alert when the instrument approaches a predetermined distance from the marker, ensuring the surgeon is aware of potential risks. The retractable shaft allows for precise tracking of surgical instruments at varying depths, and the built-in illumination source enhances visualization of the surgical site, facilitating more accurate tracking.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces several novel features that differentiate it from the original patent. The integrated sensor for real-time proximity monitoring, the retractable shaft for adjustable depth placement, and the built-in illumination source for enhanced visualization are all new and non-obvious improvements that enhance the overall surgical experience. These features provide a significant advancement in the field of robotic-assisted surgery, enabling surgeons to perform procedures with greater accuracy and efficiency.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the enhanced surveillance marker system could include variations in the design of the retractable shaft, such as a telescoping or articulating shaft, or the use of different types of sensors, such as ultrasonic or electromagnetic sensors. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in other types of surgical procedures, such as laparoscopic or endoscopic surgeries.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced surveillance marker system has significant commercial potential in the field of robotic-assisted surgery, with potential applications in orthopedic, neurosurgical, and general surgical procedures. The system's ability to improve surgical accuracy and workflow efficiency makes it an attractive solution for hospitals and surgical centers looking to adopt the latest advancements in surgical technology.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B34/20 |
| A | A61 | A61B34/30 |
| A | A61 | A61B2034/2057 |
| A | A61 | A61B2034/2072 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/3916 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/3937 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/3991 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Robotic-assisted surgical systems and medical device tracking technologies, specifically involving surgical navigation, instrument positioning, and registration systems. Requires expertise in medical robotics, sensor integration, surgical instrument design, and precision tracking methodologies.
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degrees in bioengineering or mechanical engineering, experienced in surgical robotics, familiar with sensor technologies, tracking systems, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. Possesses knowledge of medical imaging, robotic control systems, and instrument tracking methodologies.
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's enhanced surveillance marker system represents predictable variations and incremental improvements to the source patent's fundamental tracking methodology. The additional features like integrated sensors, retractable shaft, and illumination sources are logical extensions of existing surgical tracking technologies that would be obvious to implement given the known challenges in precise surgical instrument positioning. The modifications represent standard engineering problem-solving approaches to enhancing surgical navigation and instrument tracking.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,266 |
|---|---|
| Title | System for a surveillance marker in robotic-assisted surgery |
| Assignee(s) | Globus Medical, Inc. |