Synergistic Navigation System for Airways

Publication ID: 24-11857276_0003_PTD

Published: November 07, 2025

Category:Synergistic Combinations

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Synergistic Navigation System for Airways,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857276_0003_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857276_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. 11,857,276.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present inventive concept integrates advanced technologies like AI, IoT, blockchain, and novel materials to enhance navigation accuracy and efficiency in airways, building upon the foundation of the original patent.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent addressed the need for accurate visualization and navigation in airways, but it had limitations in terms of data integrity, real-time feedback, and navigation path optimization. The present inventive concept solves these problems by incorporating synergistic combinations of distinct technologies to create a more powerful system.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises a catheter navigable within a patient's airways, a computing device operably coupled to the catheter, and various advanced technologies. The computing device generates a 3D rendering of the patient's airways using CT image data and incorporates real-time data from an AI module to improve navigation accuracy. The system may also execute a blockchain-based authentication protocol to ensure data integrity and utilize IoT sensor data to further enhance navigation accuracy. Additionally, a novel material-based sensor integrated into the catheter provides real-time feedback during navigation. The system can also optimize catheter navigation along a preferred path using AI-driven decision support.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The inventive concept's novelty lies in the synergistic integration of AI, IoT, blockchain, and novel materials to create a more accurate, efficient, and secure navigation system for airways. The inventive step is the combination of these distinct technologies to achieve a more powerful system that overcomes the limitations of the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include the use of different AI algorithms, varying IoT sensor configurations, or alternative blockchain protocols. Variations may also include the integration of additional technologies, such as machine learning or augmented reality, to further enhance the navigation system.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of pulmonology, cardiology, and neurology. The system's enhanced accuracy and efficiency can improve patient outcomes, reduce procedure times, and increase the adoption of minimally invasive procedures.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A61	A61B34/20
A	A61	A61B34/25
A	A61	A61B90/37
G	G06	G06T15/00
A	A61	A61B1/018
A	A61	A61B1/2676
A	A61	A61B10/02
A	A61	A61B2017/00809
A	A61	A61B2034/107
A	A61	A61B2034/2051
A	A61	A61B2034/2055
A	A61	A61B2034/2061
A	A61	A61B2034/2065
A	A61	A61B2034/2068
A	A61	A61B2034/2072
A	A61	A61B2090/367
A	A61	A61B2090/3925
A	A61	A61M2025/0166

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Medical imaging and interventional navigation systems, specifically focusing on CT-guided catheter navigation and visualization technologies for pulmonary interventions. Requires expertise in medical imaging, computer vision, sensor technologies, and minimally invasive medical procedures

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device researcher with advanced degrees in biomedical engineering, computer science, or medical imaging, possessing knowledge of CT imaging, 3D rendering techniques, medical device design, and emerging technologies like AI and IoT sensor integration

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies into an existing CT-guided catheter navigation system represents a predictable combination of known techniques in medical imaging and digital health. The core navigation methodology remains consistent with the source patent, with the PTD merely adding contemporary technological enhancements that would be considered routine optimization by a skilled practitioner in the field.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

3D rendering of patient's airways using CT image data

PTD Variation

Adding AI module to improve navigation accuracy and provide real-time decision support

Obviousness Reasoning

AI-enhanced medical imaging is a well-established technique, and applying machine learning to improve navigation accuracy would be an obvious extension of existing computer-assisted medical technologies

Source Patent Element

Catheter navigation system for identifying target locations

PTD Variation

Incorporating blockchain authentication for data integrity and IoT sensor feedback

Obviousness Reasoning

Data security and enhanced sensor integration are predictable improvements in medical device technologies, representing a known approach to increasing system reliability and performance

Source Patent Element

3D visualization of airways for surgical navigation

PTD Variation

Integrating novel material-based sensors for real-time catheter feedback

Obviousness Reasoning

Advanced sensor technologies are routinely developed to provide more precise medical interventions, and material science innovations are a standard method of improving medical device performance

Source Patent Element

Computing device generating airways visualization

PTD Variation

Dynamic path optimization using AI-driven decision support algorithms

Obviousness Reasoning

Algorithmic path optimization is a standard technique in navigation systems, and applying such methods to medical device guidance represents a predictable technological progression

Source Patent Element

CT image-based 3D rendering of patient anatomy

PTD Variation

Incorporating multiple technological layers like IoT, AI, and blockchain

Obviousness Reasoning

Interdisciplinary technology integration is a common approach to system enhancement, and combining digital health technologies would be an obvious design choice for a skilled practitioner

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 103, the variations disclosed in this Published Technical Disclosure (PTD) would be considered obvious to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art in view of US Patent 11857276, as the PTD represents a predictable combination of known medical imaging and digital health technologies that would be readily apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to enhance catheter navigation systems through routine technological optimization.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,276
Title	System and method for displaying an alignment CT
Assignee(s)	Covidien LP