Autonomous Robotic Navigation Systems for Medical Instruments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept relates to next-generation robotic navigation systems for medical instruments, integrating real-time sensing, predictive analytics, and haptic feedback to enable autonomous instrument navigation and localized tissue manipulation, thereby revolutionizing the field of minimally invasive medical procedures.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed robotic-assisted driving systems and methods for flexible medical instruments. However, these systems relied heavily on user input and lacked real-time adaptability, limiting their effectiveness in complex anatomical environments. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing autonomous navigation capabilities, predictive analytics, and advanced sensing technologies to provide a more efficient, accurate, and safe medical instrument navigation experience.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a robotic navigation system featuring a real-time sensor array for detecting anatomical passageways, a predictive analytics module for identifying optimal instrument trajectories, and a haptic feedback interface for guiding the user's hand during instrument insertion. Additionally, the system may incorporate an integrated AI-powered navigation assistant, dynamically adjusting instrument trajectory based on real-time sensor data and predictive modeling. In another embodiment, the system may utilize a swarm of micro-robots for localized tissue manipulation, coordinated by a central control unit and monitored through a user interface. A modular, wearable medical instrument navigation device may also be employed, featuring a compact sensor array, machine learning-based navigation module, and haptic feedback system.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The present inventive concept introduces several novel and non-obvious features, including the integration of real-time sensing, predictive analytics, and haptic feedback for autonomous instrument navigation, as well as the use of micro-robots for localized tissue manipulation. These advancements enable a level of precision, safety, and efficiency not achievable with existing robotic-assisted driving systems and methods.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include the use of different sensor modalities, such as ultrasound or fluorescence, or the integration of additional AI-powered modules for real-time procedure monitoring and control. Variations of the system may also be designed for specific medical specialties or procedures, such as neurosurgery or orthopedic surgery.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The present inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of minimally invasive surgery and interventional medicine. The system's ability to enable autonomous instrument navigation and localized tissue manipulation could revolutionize the way medical procedures are performed, improving patient outcomes, reducing recovery times, and lowering healthcare costs.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Robotic medical instrumentation and navigation systems, with expertise in minimally invasive surgical technologies, robotic control systems, and instrument guidance mechanisms
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or robotics specialist with advanced degrees, experience in medical device design, knowledge of robotic control algorithms, sensor integration, and minimally invasive surgical techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's disclosed variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's robotic driving and instrument navigation concepts. The integration of AI-powered navigation, real-time sensing, and haptic feedback are logical technological progressions that would be obvious to implement using known robotics and machine learning techniques. The core technical problem of precise instrument navigation remains consistent between the source patent and PTD, with the variations representing incremental improvements using standard engineering approaches.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,281 |
|---|---|
| Title | Robot-assisted driving systems and methods |
| Assignee(s) | Auris Health, Inc. |