How a Surgical Device Temporarily Anchors in the Intestine
This patent describes a surgical device designed to temporarily attach itself to the inner wall of the intestine using a controllable suction mechanism and a radially elastic wall.
Original patent title: “Surgical device for controlled anchoring in the intestine”
This patent describes a surgical device designed to temporarily attach itself to the inner wall of the intestine using a controllable suction mechanism and a radially elastic wall. Granted in 2026.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This surgical device, as described in the abstractabstractA short summary at the front of the patent describing the invention. Not legally binding.Read more →, is designed to temporarily anchor itself to the mucous membrane of the inner wall of the intestine. It features a temporary anchor element with a first substantially cylindrical, multiply-perforated wall that can change its outer diameter in a controlled way due to its radial elasticity. An independent, leakproof inner sheath lines a portion of this wall, creating a suction chamber between the sheath and the perforated wall. A flexible tube connects to this suction chamber, allowing air to be injected or sucked out, which controls the device's anchoring by varying its diameter and creating suction. For example, a surgeon could use this device to hold an endoscope or other surgical tool steady during a delicate procedure inside the bowel.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover permanent anchoring devices, as this patent describes a 'temporary anchor element'.
- Does not cover anchoring methods that rely solely on mechanical clamps, sutures, or adhesives, as it specifies a 'suction chamber' mechanism.
- Does not cover devices that anchor in other body organs, as the abstractabstractA short summary at the front of the patent describing the invention. Not legally binding.Read more → specifies the 'mucous membrane of the inner wall of the intestine'.
- Does not cover anchoring devices where the anchoring force cannot be 'modified in a controlled manner'.
- Does not cover devices lacking a 'multiply-perforated wall' or an 'independent leakproof inner sheath' to form the suction chamber.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The noveltynoveltyThe requirement that an invention be different from anything publicly known before its priority date.Read more → lies in combining a radially elastic, perforated wall with an inner sheath to form a controllable suction chamber. This allows for precise, temporary anchoring by actively varying the device's diameter and creating suction, offering a non-traumatic way to secure a device inside a delicate organ.
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Minimally invasive intestinal surgery
Endoscopic procedures requiring temporary device fixation
Delivery of therapeutic agents to specific intestinal locations
Why it matters
The bigger picture
Precise, temporary anchoring is crucial for many delicate surgical procedures within the intestine, especially in minimally invasive settings. This device offers a way to secure instruments or provide traction without requiring sutures or more invasive clamping. It could improve the stability and control for surgeons, potentially leading to safer and more effective interventions in the digestive tract.
Filed
February 13, 2026
Granted
September 15, 2026
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Companies developing advanced endoscopic tools and surgical robotics are constantly seeking improved methods for precise internal manipulation and anchoring. Firms specializing in minimally invasive surgical techniques, particularly those focused on gastroenterology, would be interested in such a device to enhance procedural stability and control.
Market impact
This technology could enable more stable and precise minimally invasive intestinal surgeries, potentially reducing complications associated with uncontrolled instrument movement. It could facilitate the development of new endoscopic procedures requiring temporary fixation, expanding the capabilities of gastrointestinal interventions without increasing invasiveness.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This surgical device, as described in the abstract, is designed to temporarily anchor itself to the mucous membrane of the inner wall of the intestine. It features a temporary anchor element with a first substantially cylindrical, multiply-perforated wall that can change its outer diameter in a controlled way due to its radial elasticity. An independent, leakproof inner sheath lines a portion of this wall, creating a suction chamber between the sheath and the perforated wall. A flexible tube connects to this suction chamber, allowing air to be injected or sucked out, which controls the device's anchoring by varying its diameter and creating suction. For example, a surgeon could use this device to hold an endoscope or other surgical tool steady during a delicate procedure inside the bowel.
The clever bit
The novelty lies in combining a radially elastic, perforated wall with an inner sheath to form a controllable suction chamber. This allows for precise, temporary anchoring by actively varying the device's diameter and creating suction, offering a non-traumatic way to secure a device inside a delicate organ.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover permanent anchoring devices, as this patent describes a 'temporary anchor element'.
- Does not cover anchoring methods that rely solely on mechanical clamps, sutures, or adhesives, as it specifies a 'suction chamber' mechanism.
- Does not cover devices that anchor in other body organs, as the abstract specifies the 'mucous membrane of the inner wall of the intestine'.
- Does not cover anchoring devices where the anchoring force cannot be 'modified in a controlled manner'.
- Does not cover devices lacking a 'multiply-perforated wall' or an 'independent leakproof inner sheath' to form the suction chamber.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
0/20
Narrow claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$26K – $84K
Midpoint $53K · 19.4 yr remaining · industry ×2.2
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
Concepts involved
Cite this patent
(2026). How a Surgical Device Temporarily Anchors in the Intestine (U.S. Patent No. 12,733,932). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12733932/surgical-device-for-controlled-anchoring-in-the-intestine
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How a Surgical Device Temporarily Anchors in the Intestine cover?
This patent describes a surgical device designed to temporarily attach itself to the inner wall of the intestine using a controllable suction mechanism and a radially elastic wall.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2046, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
Precise, temporary anchoring is crucial for many delicate surgical procedures within the intestine, especially in minimally invasive settings. This device offers a way to secure instruments or provide traction without requiring sutures or more invasive clamping. It could improve the stability and control for surgeons, potentially leading to safer and more effective interventions in the digestive tract.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover permanent anchoring devices, as this patent describes a 'temporary anchor element'.
Patent monitoring