Autonomous Medical Device Delivery System

Publication ID: 24-11857740_0005_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Autonomous Medical Device Delivery System,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857740_0005_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857740_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. 11,857,740.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

A next-generation medical device delivery system that leverages advanced technologies such as autonomous navigation, artificial intelligence, and real-time imaging feedback to enhance the efficiency, precision, and adaptability of medical device delivery.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Introducer sheath', provides a basic framework for delivering medical devices through an insertion device. However, it lacks the advanced features and adaptability required to tackle complex anatomical conditions and diverse medical procedures. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by integrating autonomous navigation, AI-driven adaptability, and real-time feedback to revolutionize medical device delivery.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The Autonomous Medical Device Delivery System comprises a self-propelled introducer sheath, an artificial intelligence module, a control unit, and a robotic arm. The introducer sheath autonomously navigates through the insertion device, while the AI module predicts and adapts to varying anatomical conditions. The control unit wirelessly communicates with the introducer sheath to facilitate real-time adjustments during delivery. The robotic arm manipulates the introducer sheath, utilizing real-time imaging feedback to ensure precise placement of the medical device within the insertion device. The system also features interchangeable sheath segments with varying material properties and geometries, allowing for on-demand customization of the introducer sheath for diverse medical procedures.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce significant advancements over the original patent, including autonomous navigation, AI-driven adaptability, real-time imaging feedback, and robotic arm manipulation. These innovations enable the system to dynamically adjust to complex anatomical conditions and diverse medical procedures, providing a paradigm shift in medical device delivery.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments may include using swarm robotics, incorporating additional sensors for enhanced feedback, or integrating the system with other medical devices such as imaging systems or surgical robots. Variations may also include adapting the system for different medical specialties or developing miniature versions for minimally invasive procedures.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The Autonomous Medical Device Delivery System has significant commercial potential in various medical specialties, including urology, gynecology, bronchoscopy, and cystoscopy. The system's adaptability and precision make it an attractive solution for hospitals, clinics, and medical device manufacturers seeking to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61M25/0668
A A61 A61B17/221
A A61 A61B17/3417
A A61 A61M25/0074
A A61 A61M25/0097
A A61 A61B17/3415
A A61 A61B17/3431
A A61 A61B90/40
A A61 A61B2017/3409
A A61 A61M2025/0681
A A61 A61N2001/0578

Field of Art

Medical device engineering, specifically interventional medical device delivery systems, focusing on introducer sheaths, insertion devices, and minimally invasive medical procedures

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer with advanced degree, expertise in medical device design, familiarity with robotic and autonomous medical technologies, understanding of surgical navigation and medical imaging systems

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the autonomous navigation and AI-driven adaptability of the PTD represent predictable technological extensions of the source patent's medical device delivery framework. The core mechanical principles of the introducer sheath remain consistent, with added computational and robotic intelligence to enhance precision and adaptability. These technological improvements represent incremental advancements that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize medical device delivery systems.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Introducer sheath with a lumen and distal end tab for medical device delivery
PTD Variation
Self-propelled introducer sheath with autonomous navigation capabilities
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding autonomous navigation is a predictable technological upgrade using known robotic control systems and sensor integration, representing a design choice to improve precision and reduce human intervention
Source Patent Element
Medical device system with insertion device and delivery sheath
PTD Variation
AI module that predicts and adapts to varying anatomical conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating machine learning and predictive algorithms into medical device systems is a known technique for enhancing procedural adaptability and precision
Source Patent Element
Introducer sheath with potential frangible portions
PTD Variation
Interchangeable sheath segments with dynamically adjustable material properties and geometries
Obviousness Reasoning
Modular design and material adaptability are standard engineering approaches for creating versatile medical devices with configurable performance characteristics
Source Patent Element
Medical device delivery through an insertion device
PTD Variation
Robotic arm manipulation with real-time imaging feedback for precise device placement
Obviousness Reasoning
Combining robotic manipulation with imaging feedback represents a logical extension of existing medical robotics technologies, providing enhanced control and visualization
Source Patent Element
Medical device system with potential sensing capabilities
PTD Variation
Sensor array continuously monitoring insertion device environment with micro-actuator for dynamic shape and stiffness adjustment
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing adaptive sensing and actuation is a predictable technological progression in medical device design, leveraging established control system principles
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857740 and the disclosed technological variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed autonomous medical device delivery system obvious and anticipated. The incremental technological advancements represent predictable combinations of known medical device engineering techniques, rendering subsequent patent claims obvious and unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,740
TitleIntroducer sheath
Assignee(s)Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.