Sympathetic Nerve Modulation Devices for Extreme Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857148_0004_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Sympathetic Nerve Modulation Devices for Extreme Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857148_0004_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857148_0004_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. 11,857,148.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present inventive concept discloses medical devices adapted for sympathetic nerve modulation in specific, niche environments, such as disaster relief, high-security, extreme weather conditions, search and rescue operations, and high-altitude environments.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Medical devices with flexible circuit assemblies', provides a foundation for sympathetic nerve modulation. However, the disclosed devices may not be suitable for use in extreme or specialized environments, where device reliability and performance are crucial. The present inventive concept addresses this limitation by adapting the medical devices for specific, niche environments, ensuring optimal performance and reliability in these unique settings.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises medical devices with flexible circuit assemblies specifically designed for sympathetic nerve modulation in extreme environments. The devices feature a catheter shaft, a balloon, and a flexible circuit assembly with a polymer substrate, a distal end, and a plurality of electrodes. The flexible circuit assembly is adapted to withstand extreme weather conditions, maintain optimal performance in temperatures below -20°C, withstand rugged terrain and debris, or operate in low-oxygen environments. In addition, the devices may incorporate encryption to prevent unauthorized access in high-security environments.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The present inventive concept introduces novel adaptations of the original medical devices for sympathetic nerve modulation, enabling their use in specific, niche environments. The inventive step lies in the tailored design of the flexible circuit assembly to withstand extreme conditions, ensuring reliable performance and optimal results in these unique settings.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include devices with adjustable modulation frequencies based on environmental factors, devices with integrated sensors to monitor environmental conditions, or devices with modular components for easy replacement and maintenance.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of disaster relief, high-security, search and rescue operations, and high-altitude environments. The devices may be marketed to medical professionals, emergency responders, and organizations operating in these specialized environments.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B18/1492
A A61 A61F7/007
A A61 A61F7/123
H H05 H05K1/028
A A61 A61B2018/0016
A A61 A61B2018/0022
A A61 A61B2018/00404
A A61 A61B2018/00434
A A61 A61B2018/00511
A A61 A61B2018/00577
A A61 A61B2018/00797
A A61 A61B2018/00815
A A61 A61B2018/1465
A A61 A61B2018/1467
A A61 A61B2018/1475
A A61 A61F2007/126

Field of Art

Medical device engineering, specifically interventional cardiology and neurostimulation technologies, with expertise in flexible circuit assemblies, catheter design, and electronic medical instrumentation

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in medical device design, familiar with flexible electronics, catheter manufacturing, and sympathetic nerve modulation techniques

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD represents predictable variations of the source patent's core medical device technology by adapting the flexible circuit assembly's fundamental design to specific environmental contexts. The core technical elements remain substantially unchanged, with modifications representing routine engineering adaptations to expand device applicability. These variations demonstrate standard design optimization strategies common in medical device development.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Flexible circuit assembly with polymer substrate and multiple electrodes for medical interventions
PTD Variation
Adapting flexible circuit assembly to withstand extreme temperatures and environmental conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Material selection and environmental hardening represent standard engineering practices for extending device functionality, using known polymer substrate modifications and predictable performance optimization techniques
Source Patent Element
Catheter shaft with longitudinal axis and cylindrical balloon configuration
PTD Variation
Incorporating encryption and security features into the flexible circuit assembly
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding electronic security measures is a routine design choice for medical devices, representing a predictable technological enhancement using standard cryptographic techniques
Source Patent Element
Electrode configuration for nerve modulation using flexible circuit strips
PTD Variation
Developing modular circuit designs for different operational environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Modular design approaches are well-established in medical device engineering, representing a predictable solution for expanding device versatility through systematic component reconfiguration
Source Patent Element
Flexible circuit assembly with multiple electrode configurations
PTD Variation
Integrating environmental sensing capabilities into the medical device
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding environmental monitoring represents a standard engineering approach to improving device performance, using known sensor integration techniques
Source Patent Element
Nerve modulation device with configurable electronic components
PTD Variation
Developing frequency-adjustable modulation based on environmental parameters
Obviousness Reasoning
Adaptive signal modulation is a predictable engineering solution for maintaining device performance across varying operational conditions
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857148, a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art would find the variations disclosed in the Published Technical Disclosure to represent obvious extensions of the prior art, comprising routine engineering adaptations that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner without requiring inventive insight. The disclosed modifications represent predictable technological variations achievable through standard design optimization strategies inherent in medical device development.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,148
TitleMedical devices with flexible circuit assemblies
Assignee(s)Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.