Vascular Closure Devices for Extreme Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857172_0009_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Vascular Closure Devices for Extreme Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857172_0009_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857172_0009_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. 11,857,172.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present invention relates to vascular closure devices adapted for use in extreme environments, including high-altitude, disaster relief, high-security, and extreme weather conditions, providing reliable and efficient closure of vascular access holes in challenging operational scenarios.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a vascular closure device for general use. However, this device may not be suitable for use in extreme environments where the device may be exposed to extreme temperatures, limited medical infrastructure, or high-security requirements. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by providing specialized vascular closure devices that can operate effectively in these challenging environments.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises a family of vascular closure devices, each tailored to a specific extreme environment. For high-altitude environments, the retaining element is made of a material resistant to extreme cold temperatures. For disaster relief areas, the retaining element is designed for use in areas with limited medical infrastructure. For high-security environments, a security module is integrated to encrypt data transmitted between the vascular closure device and a remote monitoring system. For extreme weather conditions, the retaining element is made of a material resistant to extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes or tornadoes.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The novelty of the present inventive concept lies in the adaptation of the original vascular closure device to specific extreme environments, providing a unique combination of features that address the challenges of these environments. The inventive step resides in the recognition of the need for specialized vascular closure devices for these environments and the provision of tailored solutions that ensure reliable and efficient closure of vascular access holes.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include vascular closure devices with adjustable retaining elements, devices with integrated sensors for real-time monitoring, or devices with modular components for easy maintenance and replacement. Variations of the inventive concept may also include devices for use in other extreme environments, such as space exploration or deep-sea operations.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The present inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of vascular closure devices for extreme environments. The target market includes medical facilities and organizations operating in high-altitude, disaster relief, high-security, and extreme weather environments, as well as military and space exploration applications.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B17/0057
A A61 A61B2017/00004
A A61 A61B2017/00623

Field of Art

Medical device engineering, specifically vascular closure devices and minimally invasive surgical technologies, focusing on device design, materials engineering, and deployment mechanisms for intravascular interventions

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in interventional medical technologies, advanced materials science, and knowledge of clinical deployment requirements across diverse medical environments

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that adapting vascular closure devices for specialized environments represents a predictable engineering variation involving known design modification techniques. The core functional elements of the source patent's vascular closure device remain fundamentally unchanged, with modifications primarily addressing environmental performance and deployment contexts. These variations represent routine design optimization strategies well within the capabilities of an ordinary skilled practitioner in medical device engineering.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Self-expanding tubular vascular closure element with a retaining mechanism
PTD Variation
Modifying retaining element material composition for temperature resistance in high-altitude or extreme weather environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Material selection for environmental performance is a standard engineering design choice, with predictable outcomes achievable through routine materials science techniques
Source Patent Element
Tether-based deployment mechanism for vascular closure device
PTD Variation
Integrating security module for encrypted data transmission in high-security environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding electronic monitoring and security features represents a known technique for enhancing medical device functionality, achievable through standard electronic integration methods
Source Patent Element
Basic vascular closure device configuration with expandable patch
PTD Variation
Designing device for use in disaster relief or limited medical infrastructure scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting medical devices for resource-constrained environments is a predictable engineering optimization involving simplification of device complexity and robust design principles
Source Patent Element
Retaining mechanism for controlling vascular closure element expansion
PTD Variation
Creating modular device components for easier maintenance and replacement
Obviousness Reasoning
Modular design is a standard engineering approach for improving device serviceability and adaptability, representing a logical extension of existing device architecture
Source Patent Element
Vascular closure device deployment mechanism
PTD Variation
Implementing integrated sensors for real-time patient monitoring
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding diagnostic monitoring capabilities is a predictable technological enhancement consistent with trends in medical device development
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857172 and the present published technical disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations of vascular closure devices for specialized environments to be obvious extensions of existing medical device design principles. The disclosed modifications represent routine engineering adaptations that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner, thereby rendering potential patent claims covering such variations unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,172
TitleVascular closure device and method of closing a vascular access hole using such a device
Assignee(s)Angiomed GmbH & Co. Medizintechnik KG