Enhanced Articulation Joint with Real-time Tissue Feedback and Adaptive Geometry
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved articulation joint for surgical instruments, featuring integrated sensors, dynamically adjustable helical lumens, and machine learning-based optimization for enhanced tissue manipulation and safety.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent's articulation joint with helical lumen has limitations in terms of tissue engagement and manipulation. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating real-time tissue feedback, adaptive geometry, and machine learning-based optimization to improve tissue manipulation and safety.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced articulation joint comprises an integrated sensor for real-time monitoring of tissue engagement, a dynamically adjustable helical lumen that modifies its geometry in response to changes in tissue properties or surgical site conditions, and a machine learning module that predicts optimal articulation joint configurations based on historical surgical data and real-time tissue feedback. The articulation joint's movement is adjusted in real-time to ensure optimal tissue manipulation and minimize the risk of accidental tissue damage.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept's novelty lies in the integration of real-time tissue feedback, adaptive geometry, and machine learning-based optimization, which enables the articulation joint to dynamically adjust its movement and geometry in response to changing tissue properties and surgical site conditions. This results in improved tissue manipulation and safety, distinguishing the new concept from the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include the use of different sensor types, such as force sensors or pressure sensors, or the integration of additional features, such as redundant safety mechanisms or advanced visualization systems. Variations of the inventive concept may also include different geometries or materials for the helical lumen, or the application of machine learning algorithms to optimize other aspects of the surgical procedure.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced articulation joint has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The inventive concept's ability to improve tissue manipulation and safety could lead to increased adoption in hospitals and surgical centers, resulting in improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Surgical instrument design, specifically robotic and laparoscopic surgical articulation mechanisms with complex luminal geometries and motion control systems
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with expertise in surgical instrument design, robotics, sensor integration, and mechanical articulation systems, holding advanced degrees in bioengineering or mechanical engineering with 3-5 years of specialized experience in medical device development
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that integrating real-time sensor feedback and adaptive geometry into an existing articulation joint design represents a predictable engineering enhancement. The source patent's foundational articulation joint design provides a clear technical framework that naturally suggests incorporating advanced sensing and dynamic adjustment capabilities. The PTD's variations emerge from standard design optimization techniques commonly applied in medical device engineering to improve instrument performance and safety.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,283 |
|---|---|
| Title | Articulation joint with helical lumen |
| Assignee(s) | Cilag GmbH International |