Enhanced Surgical Drape System with Synergistic Combinations
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept integrates a surgical drape with a container with distinct technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and novel materials to create a more powerful system for surgical treatment, waste management, and patient safety.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, 'Surgical drape with container', addressed the need for a surgical drape to cover and protect patients and devices during urological procedures. However, the original patent's limitations lie in its lack of integration with advanced technologies, which can significantly enhance the surgical experience and patient outcomes. The new inventive concept solves this problem by synergistically combining the surgical drape with container with AI, IoT, blockchain, and novel materials to create a more comprehensive and efficient system.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced surgical drape system consists of a surgical drape with a container, integrated with an AI-powered robotic arm to facilitate precise and efficient treatment. The system also incorporates IoT sensors to track patient vital signs and provide real-time feedback to the surgeon. Additionally, the system features a blockchain-based tracking system to ensure authenticity and integrity of the surgical drape throughout its lifecycle. Furthermore, the system can be integrated with an autonomous robotic system to collect and dispose of surgical waste. The surgical drape with container also comprises a novel nanomaterial-based coating that enhances antimicrobial properties and reduces the risk of infection during surgical procedures.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a synergistic combination of distinct technologies, which is not obvious from the original patent. The integration of AI, IoT, blockchain, and novel materials with the surgical drape with container creates a new, more powerful system that provides enhanced functionality, efficiency, and patient safety.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include integrating the surgical drape with container with other advanced technologies, such as augmented reality or 5G networks. Variations of the system could be designed for specific surgical procedures or patient populations, such as pediatrics or geriatrics.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced surgical drape system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of urology, surgery, and patient safety. The system's ability to integrate with advanced technologies and provide enhanced functionality and efficiency could make it an attractive solution for hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical Device Design and Surgical Intervention Technologies, focusing on surgical drapes, patient protection systems, and medical procedure equipment
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in surgical equipment design, infection control, waste management, and emerging medical technologies, typically holding a master's or doctoral degree with 5-10 years of industry experience
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain into existing surgical drape systems represents a predictable evolution of medical device design. The core functional elements of the source patent's surgical drape provide a natural framework for technological enhancement. The proposed variations represent incremental improvements using well-established technological integration techniques common in modern medical device development.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,287 |
|---|---|
| Title | Surgical drape with container |
| Assignee(s) | PROCEPT BioRobotics Corporation |