Intuitive Surgical has filed a patent for a method that involves deploying a tool through a flexible elongate device to puncture a passageway wall and target tissue. An instrument is then deployed through a perforation created by a needle to perform treatment on the target tissue. GlobalData’s report on Intuitive Surgical gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Intuitive Surgical, Surgical robots was a key innovation area identified from patents. Intuitive Surgical's grant share as of September 2023 was 58%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
A method for deploying a tool through a passageway
A recently filed patent (Publication Number: US20230309976A1) describes a method for deploying a tool through a passageway wall to perform treatment on target tissue. The method involves using a flexible elongate device with a lumen to deploy a needle through the passageway wall and target tissue at a specific location. An instrument is then deployed through a perforation created by the needle to perform treatment on the target tissue.
The patent also describes the use of a first hollow sheath and a second hollow sheath as part of the tool. The first hollow sheath is deployed past the distal end of the flexible elongate device to the passageway exit site, while the second hollow sheath is deployed within the lumen of the flexible elongate device and extended along the needle to the target location. The needle can be retracted from the second hollow sheath after it reaches the target location.
To anchor the tool, a guidewire with an anchor can be inserted through the target tissue within the perforation. The guidewire is deployed through the first tubular member of the tool, and the anchor is anchored proximate the target tissue. The first tubular member can then be retracted from the target tissue and positioned at the passageway exit site.
The patent also mentions the use of a shape sensor and a control unit to confirm the location of the flexible elongate device and the instrument before extending them to the passageway exit site and target location, respectively. Additionally, a sensor system can be used to measure temperature or impedance of the target tissue to confirm treatment.
Overall, this patent describes a method for deploying a tool through a passageway wall to perform treatment on target tissue. The method involves the use of a flexible elongate device, a needle, hollow sheaths, a guidewire with an anchor, and various sensors and control units to ensure accurate placement and treatment.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies
