Enhanced Surgical Drape System with Synergistic Combinations

Publication ID: 24-11857287_0008_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Synergistic Combinations

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Surgical Drape System with Synergistic Combinations,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857287_0008_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857287_0008_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

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.

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

Source Patent Element
Surgical drape with container for waste management
PTD Variation
Autonomous robotic waste collection system integrated with surgical drape
Obviousness Reasoning
Automated waste management is a known design improvement in medical technologies, representing a predictable application of robotics to existing waste containment methods
Source Patent Element
Protective covering for medical devices during procedures
PTD Variation
Nanomaterial-based antimicrobial coating on surgical drape
Obviousness Reasoning
Enhancement of material properties through advanced coatings is a standard approach in medical device design, with predictable goals of improving infection control
Source Patent Element
Surgical drape designed for patient and device protection
PTD Variation
IoT sensor integration for real-time patient vital sign monitoring
Obviousness Reasoning
Incorporating sensor technologies into medical equipment represents a known technique for expanding diagnostic and monitoring capabilities
Source Patent Element
Container attached to surgical drape for waste management
PTD Variation
Blockchain tracking system for drape authenticity and lifecycle management
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing digital authentication and tracking is a standard approach for improving medical equipment traceability and quality control
Source Patent Element
Surgical procedure support equipment
PTD Variation
AI-powered robotic arm integration with surgical drape system
Obviousness Reasoning
Robotic assistance in medical procedures is a well-established technological trend, representing a predictable extension of existing surgical support technologies
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857287 and the disclosed technological variations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the proposed surgical drape system enhancements obvious and predictable. The integration of AI, IoT, blockchain, and advanced materials represents a routine application of known technological techniques to existing medical device design principles, thereby rendering potential patent claims obvious and unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

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