Advanced Robotic-Assisted Surgical Drape System

Publication ID: 24-11857287_0005_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Robotic-Assisted Surgical Drape System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857287_0005_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857287_0005_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. 11,857,287.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A next-generation surgical drape system integrating robotic arms, sensors, and advanced materials to enhance surgical efficiency, minimize waste, and improve patient outcomes.

Background and Problem Solved

The original surgical drape patent (US 1234567) addressed the need for a sterile environment during urological procedures. However, it has limitations in terms of manual operation, limited waste management, and lack of adaptability to various surgical procedures. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a robotic-assisted surgical drape system that autonomously navigates and performs complex surgical tasks while maintaining a sterile environment.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The advanced robotic-assisted surgical drape system comprises a surgical drape with an integrated container, a robotic arm, and sensors. The robotic arm is configured to autonomously navigate and perform complex surgical tasks, such as tumor resection and tissue dissection, while maintaining a sterile environment. The integrated container is designed to collect and monitor waste in real-time, allowing for adjustments to the surgical plan to minimize waste and optimize surgical outcomes. The system also includes a self-cleaning surface with a nanotechnology-based coating that repels fluids and contaminants, and a UV-C light source integrated into the drape to sanitize the surface between surgical procedures.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a paradigm shift in surgical drape technology by integrating robotic arms, sensors, and advanced materials to enhance surgical efficiency, minimize waste, and improve patient outcomes. The inventive step lies in the combination of these components to create a fully autonomous and adaptive surgical system.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include modular designs with interchangeable surgical drapes, robotic arms, and sensors to adapt to various surgical procedures and patient needs. Variations may also include the integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, or virtual reality to further enhance the system's capabilities.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The advanced robotic-assisted surgical drape system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of urology, oncology, and general surgery. The system's ability to enhance surgical efficiency, minimize waste, and improve patient outcomes makes it an attractive solution for hospitals and surgical centers.

Field of Art

Surgical device design and medical technology, specifically focusing on surgical drapes, waste management systems, and minimally invasive procedural equipment

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in surgical instrumentation, sterile technique, and advanced materials with 5-10 years of professional experience in medical device innovation

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the advanced robotic-assisted surgical drape system represents a predictable technological evolution of the source patent's core concepts of surgical drape design and waste management. The integration of robotic arms, sensors, and advanced materials are logical extensions of existing surgical technology that would be apparent to someone skilled in medical device design. The modular approach and waste tracking mechanisms are natural progressions of known surgical system optimization strategies.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Surgical drape with integrated container for waste collection
PTD Variation
Robotic-assisted surgical drape with real-time waste tracking and monitoring sensors
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding sensor technology to track waste is a predictable design improvement using known monitoring techniques in medical device engineering
Source Patent Element
Container attached to surgical drape for waste management
PTD Variation
Modular surgical system with interchangeable drapes, robotic arms, and sensors
Obviousness Reasoning
Developing a modular surgical system represents a standard design approach for increasing system flexibility and adaptability
Source Patent Element
Surgical drape covering medical devices during procedures
PTD Variation
Self-cleaning drape surface with nanotechnology coating and UV-C sanitization
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying advanced materials and sanitization techniques to improve surgical drape functionality is an obvious solution to existing contamination challenges
Source Patent Element
Surgical drape designed for specific medical procedures
PTD Variation
Virtual reality training platform simulating surgical environments and techniques
Obviousness Reasoning
Developing training simulations is a standard method for technology transfer and skill development in medical device and surgical technology
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857287 and the published technical disclosure, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations of robotic-assisted surgical drape systems and associated methodologies to be obvious extensions of existing surgical device technology. The incremental improvements in waste management, sensor integration, and modular design represent predictable advancements that would be readily conceived by a skilled practitioner in medical device engineering.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,287
TitleSurgical drape with container
Assignee(s)PROCEPT BioRobotics Corporation