Last updated: July 05, 2026

Application No. 19/029,207

ENDOSCOPIC SUTURING SYSTEM HAVING EXTERNAL INSTRUMENT CHANNEL

Non-Final OA

Filed

Jan 17, 2025

Priority

Aug 10, 2016 — continuation of 11/051,800 +1 more

Examiner

BYRD, BRIGID K

Art Unit

3771

Tech Center

3700 — Mechanical Engineering & Manufacturing

Assignee

Boston Scientific Scimed Inc.

OA Round

1 (Non-Final)

Interview Optional

— +48.2% interview lift. Examiner has a relatively high allowance rate (71%); +48.2% interview lift. A written response may suffice.

Based on 320 resolved cases, 2023–2026

Examiner Intelligence

BYRD, BRIGID K View full profile →

Grants 71% — above average

Career Allowance Rate

227 granted / 320 resolved

+0.9% vs TC avg

Strong +48% interview lift

Without

With

+48.2%

Interview Lift

resolved cases with interview

Typical timeline

2y 9m

Avg Prosecution

34 currently pending

Career history

361

Total Applications

across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101

0.3%

-39.7% vs TC avg

§103

73.4%

+33.4% vs TC avg

§102

7.7%

-32.3% vs TC avg

§112

8.5%

-31.5% vs TC avg

Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 320 resolved cases

Prosecution Timeline

Jan 17, 2025

Application Filed

Mar 05, 2025

Response after Non-Final Action

Apr 23, 2026

Non-Final Rejection mailed (current)

Precedent Cases

Applications granted by this same examiner with similar technology

18/035,599

Patent 12667385

NEEDLE SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND NEEDLE GUIDE BRACKET

3y 0m to grant Granted Jun 30, 2026

17/546,685

Patent 12661094

REAL-TIME SAMPLING SYSTEM

4y 6m to grant Granted Jun 23, 2026

18/920,744

Patent 12661458

IMPLANT APPLICATORS

1y 8m to grant Granted Jun 23, 2026

17/688,767

Patent 12642534

SECONDARY DEVICE HOLDER AND COMPRESSION SYSTEM, METHOD OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME

4y 2m to grant Granted Jun 02, 2026

18/422,639

Patent 12642742

Device, system, and method for self dry needle for pain or discomfort

2y 4m to grant Granted Jun 02, 2026

Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

Strategy Recommendation AI-generated — please review before filing

Get a prosecution strategy drawn from examiner precedents, rejection analysis, and claim mapping.

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Prosecution Projections

1-2

Expected OA Rounds

71%

Grant Probability

99%

With Interview (+48.2%)

2y 9m (~1y 4m remaining)

Median Time to Grant

Low

PTA Risk

Based on 320 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allowance rate.