Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Intelligent Annuli Engagement and Reshaping Systems

Publication ID: 24-11857418_0003_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Synergistic Combinations

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Intelligent Annuli Engagement and Reshaping Systems,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857418_0003_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857418_0003_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. 11,857,418.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A novel system integrating computer vision, robotics, machine learning, IoT, blockchain, and advanced materials to enable precise annuli engagement and reshaping during surgical procedures.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed methods and systems for aligning annuloplasty rings with natural fiducials during surgical procedures. However, these methods relied on manual alignment and engagement, which can be time-consuming and prone to human error. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating advanced technologies to automate and optimize the annuli engagement and reshaping process.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The intelligent annuli engagement and reshaping system comprises a computer vision module that identifies natural fiducials at or near the annular target, a robotic arm that aligns the annuloplasty ring with the identified fiducials, and a machine learning module that predicts optimal alignment based on real-time imaging data from an endoscope. The system also features an IoT-enabled sensor array to track the ring's alignment and engagement over time, storing data in a blockchain-based storage module. Additionally, the system utilizes a hybrid material comprising a polymer matrix reinforced with graphene fibers and a shape-memory alloy to adjust the ring's shape in response to changes in the annular target's dimensions. AI-driven simulations are used to personalize annuloplasty ring design for each patient.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce a synergistic combination of advanced technologies, including computer vision, robotics, machine learning, IoT, blockchain, and advanced materials, which enables a more accurate, efficient, and personalized annuli engagement and reshaping process. The integration of these technologies provides a non-obvious solution that overcomes the limitations of the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include using different types of sensors or imaging modalities, such as ultrasound or MRI, to identify natural fiducials. Variations may also include using different materials or structures for the annuloplasty ring, or incorporating additional features, such as real-time feedback mechanisms or adaptive control systems.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The intelligent annuli engagement and reshaping system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of cardiovascular surgery and interventional cardiology. The system's ability to provide precise and personalized annuli engagement and reshaping can improve patient outcomes, reduce procedure times, and decrease healthcare costs.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61F2/2466
A A61 A61F2/2448
A A61 A61F2002/0081
A A61 A61F2220/0016
A A61 A61F2230/0065

Field of Art

Medical device engineering, specifically cardiovascular surgical interventions involving annuloplasty and minimally invasive surgical technologies with expertise in biomechanical design, imaging systems, and robotic surgical platforms

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degrees in bioengineering, experience in cardiovascular surgical technologies, proficiency in computer vision, machine learning, and advanced materials engineering

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's integration of computer vision, machine learning, and advanced materials represents predictable technological extensions of the source patent's core annuloplasty ring alignment methodology. The fundamental problem of precise annular engagement remains consistent, with the PTD offering incremental technological enhancements using well-established engineering techniques. The combination of known technologies to solve a persistent medical challenge demonstrates an obvious progression of the original surgical device concept.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Annuloplasty ring with cannulas and harpoons for engaging natural fiducials
PTD Variation
Computer vision module for identifying natural fiducials and robotic alignment system
Obviousness Reasoning
Automated identification and alignment represents a predictable technological improvement using standard computer vision and robotic positioning techniques known in surgical robotics
Source Patent Element
Surgical device with engagement mechanisms for annular targets
PTD Variation
Machine learning module predicting optimal ring positioning based on real-time endoscopic imaging
Obviousness Reasoning
Adaptive positioning through machine learning is a known technique for improving surgical precision, representing an obvious extension of existing device alignment strategies
Source Patent Element
Annuloplasty ring with specific structural configurations
PTD Variation
Hybrid material using polymer matrix with graphene reinforcement and shape-memory alloy
Obviousness Reasoning
Material science innovations represent standard design optimization approaches, with composite materials and adaptive structures being well-established in medical device engineering
Source Patent Element
Surgical device for engaging anatomical structures
PTD Variation
IoT-enabled sensor array and blockchain tracking of device performance
Obviousness Reasoning
Integration of monitoring and data storage technologies is a predictable evolution in medical device design, representing an obvious combination of known tracking methodologies
Source Patent Element
Generic surgical device design approach
PTD Variation
AI-driven personalized ring design using patient-specific simulation
Obviousness Reasoning
Personalization through computational modeling is a standard approach in medical device development, representing an obvious application of machine learning to surgical device optimization
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857418 and the disclosed technological variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed innovations obvious, as they represent predictable technological extensions utilizing standard engineering techniques in computer vision, machine learning, materials science, and surgical device design. The incremental technological improvements do not rise to the level of non-obvious innovation, thereby rendering potential derivative claims obvious and anticipatable.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,418
TitleAnnuli engagement and reshaping using natural fiducials
Assignee(s)VALCARE, INC.