Enhanced Medical Instrument with Mechanical Interlock for Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Procedures
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept discloses an enhanced medical instrument with a mechanical interlock, designed for robotic-assisted laparoscopic procedures. The instrument incorporates advanced features such as thermal sensing, haptic feedback, and fluidic cooling to improve the safety, efficiency, and precision of tissue cauterization.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a medical instrument with a mechanical interlock for cauterizing tissue. However, it lacked real-time temperature monitoring, haptic feedback, and controlled cooling, which limited its effectiveness and safety in robotic-assisted laparoscopic procedures. This inventive concept addresses these limitations by integrating advanced features that enhance the instrument's performance and usability.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced medical instrument comprises a mechanical interlock, a thermal sensor, a fluidic channel, and a robotic arm. The thermal sensor is integrated into the instrument's wrist and provides real-time temperature feedback to the physician, enabling adjustments to the cauterization energy. The fluidic channel delivers a controlled flow of cooling fluid to the cauterizing tissue, reducing thermal damage and improving tissue recovery. The robotic arm is configured to provide haptic feedback to the physician, enhancing the overall procedural experience. The mechanical interlock ensures precise control over the instrument's movements, allowing for precise tissue cauterization.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features such as thermal sensing, haptic feedback, and fluidic cooling, which are not present in the original patent. These features provide a non-obvious improvement over the existing technology, enabling more efficient, safer, and more precise tissue cauterization.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include varying the design of the thermal sensor, fluidic channel, or robotic arm to accommodate different procedural requirements or tissue types. Additionally, the instrument could be adapted for use in other minimally invasive procedures, such as endoscopy or arthroscopy.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced medical instrument has significant commercial potential in the robotic-assisted laparoscopic procedure market, which is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. The instrument's advanced features and improved performance make it an attractive solution for hospitals, clinics, and medical device manufacturers seeking to improve patient outcomes and reduce procedural costs.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Robotic and laparoscopic medical instrumentation, with expertise in mechanical interlocks, surgical end effectors, and precision medical device design
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in robotic surgical systems, familiar with mechanical design, thermal management, and minimally invasive surgical techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that adding thermal sensing, haptic feedback, and fluidic cooling to an existing medical instrument with mechanical interlock represents predictable engineering improvements that solve known challenges in laparoscopic procedures. The source patent establishes a foundational mechanical design that naturally invites incremental technological enhancements to improve surgical precision and safety. These variations represent standard problem-solving approaches in medical device engineering that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize surgical instrumentation.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,279 |
|---|---|
| Title | Medical instrument with mechanical interlock |
| Assignee(s) | Auris Health, Inc. |