Enhanced Vascular Closure Device with Integrated Sensor and Real-Time Feedback
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved vascular closure device featuring an integrated sensor for real-time monitoring and feedback during deployment, enabling safer and more efficient vascular access hole closure.
Background and Problem Solved
The original vascular closure device patent (PCT/EP2020/080396) had limitations in ensuring precise deployment and monitoring of the closure process. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating a sensor-enabled vascular closure element, providing real-time feedback to the operator and enhancing the overall efficiency and safety of the procedure.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced vascular closure device comprises a self-expanding tubular vascular closure element with an integrated sensor, a retaining element surrounding the vascular closure element, and a tether connected to the sensor. The sensor provides real-time feedback during deployment, allowing the operator to adjust the deployment force accordingly. The system also includes a control unit to monitor and adjust the deployment process in real-time. The modified retaining element features micro-perforations to facilitate faster and more efficient deployment, while the vascular closure element has an enhanced surface texture to promote better tissue integration.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The integration of a sensor-enabled vascular closure element and real-time feedback system constitutes a novel and non-obvious improvement over the original patent. This innovation enables more precise and efficient deployment, reducing the risk of complications and improving overall patient outcomes.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include variations in sensor types, tether configurations, and control unit designs. Additionally, the inventive concept could be adapted for use in different vascular closure procedures or applications, such as arterial or venous closures.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced vascular closure device has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the field of interventional cardiology and vascular surgery. The device's ability to provide real-time feedback and improve deployment efficiency is expected to appeal to hospitals and medical centers seeking to enhance patient outcomes and reduce procedural risks.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/0057 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00004 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00623 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering, specifically vascular closure device technologies, involving interventional cardiology and minimally invasive surgical techniques
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in interventional medical technologies, advanced materials, sensor integration, and vascular access closure techniques, holding at least a master's degree with 3-5 years of specialized design experience
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating sensor technology and real-time feedback into existing vascular closure device designs represents a predictable technological enhancement. The source patent's fundamental vascular closure mechanism provides a clear technological foundation for incremental improvements in monitoring and deployment precision. The proposed variations leverage known sensor integration techniques and standard medical device design principles to create a more sophisticated version of the original device.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,172 |
|---|---|
| Title | Vascular closure device and method of closing a vascular access hole using such a device |
| Assignee(s) | Angiomed GmbH & Co. Medizintechnik KG |