Next-Generation Medical Instrument System with AI-Driven Performance Optimization
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A medical instrument system featuring modular, interchangeable instrument modules, a neural network-based control system, and real-time analytics engine to optimize instrument performance and provide enhanced visualization and guidance during medical procedures.
Background and Problem Solved
The original medical instrument with mechanical interlock patent addressed limitations in laparoscopic procedures, but it had limitations in terms of instrument performance, safety, and visualization. The next-generation medical instrument system addresses these limitations by incorporating AI-driven technology to optimize instrument performance, predict and prevent malfunctions, and provide real-time guidance to physicians.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The medical instrument system consists of a modular, interchangeable instrument module capable of being selectively coupled to a robotic arm, and a neural network-based control system configured to optimize instrument module performance based on real-time procedure data. The system can predict and prevent instrument module malfunctions based on historical procedure data and real-time sensor feedback. The instrument module can be selected from a library of available modules, and the neural network-based control system optimizes instrument module performance during the procedure. Additionally, the system can include a swarm of micro-instruments capable of being deployed through a minimally invasive access port, and a real-time analytics engine configured to provide the physician with enhanced visualization and guidance during the procedure.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The use of AI-driven technology, including neural networks and real-time analytics engines, to optimize instrument performance and provide enhanced visualization and guidance during medical procedures is a significant departure from the original patent and represents a novel and non-obvious inventive step.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of other AI-driven technologies, such as machine learning algorithms or computer vision, to optimize instrument performance and provide enhanced visualization and guidance. Variations could include the use of different types of instrument modules, such as those with specialized sensors or effectors, or the integration of the system with other medical devices, such as imaging systems or patient monitoring systems.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The next-generation medical instrument system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of minimally invasive surgery and robotic-assisted surgery. The system's ability to optimize instrument performance, predict and prevent malfunctions, and provide enhanced visualization and guidance could improve patient outcomes, reduce procedure times, and increase physician confidence.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical robotics and surgical instrumentation, with expertise in minimally invasive surgical systems, robotic surgical platforms, and instrument design with mechanical and electrical interfaces
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degree, 5-10 years experience in surgical robotics, familiar with mechanical interlocking mechanisms, electrical insulation techniques, and emerging AI-driven medical technologies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating neural network control and real-time analytics into existing medical instrument architectures represents a predictable technological evolution. The source patent's mechanical interlock design provides a foundational platform that naturally supports advanced computational optimization. The disclosed AI-driven performance enhancement represents an incremental improvement leveraging known machine learning techniques to existing robotic surgical systems.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,279 |
|---|---|
| Title | Medical instrument with mechanical interlock |
| Assignee(s) | Auris Health, Inc. |