Intelligent Tissue Repair Systems
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This disclosure relates to advanced tissue repair systems integrating distinct technologies such as sensors, biocompatible materials, and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) to provide real-time feedback, enhanced tissue integration, and adaptive fixation for optimal tissue repair.
Background and Problem Solved
Current tissue repair methods using sutures and suture anchors have limitations, including inadequate fixation strength, tissue displacement, and lack of real-time monitoring. The original patent addressed these issues with a flexible fixation member and suture. However, there remains a need for more advanced systems that can provide real-time feedback, enhance tissue integration, and offer adaptive fixation.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept disclosed herein integrates the flexible fixation member with various distinct technologies, including sensors, biocompatible materials, and MEMS. For instance, the fixation member can be integrated with a sensor to monitor tissue tension, providing real-time feedback to optimize tissue repair. Alternatively, the fixation member can comprise a biocompatible, 3D-printed lattice structure infused with antibiotics to enhance tissue integration and prevent infection. The inventive concept also encompasses the use of a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) to monitor tissue strain, providing real-time data for optimizing tissue repair. Furthermore, the fixation member can be integrated with a nanomaterial-enhanced suture to enhance tissue adhesion and promote faster healing. Additionally, the fixation member can comprise a shape-memory alloy, providing adaptive fixation and promoting optimal tissue repair.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious combinations of the flexible fixation member with distinct technologies, such as sensors, biocompatible materials, and MEMS. These combinations provide real-time feedback, enhance tissue integration, and offer adaptive fixation, which are not anticipated by the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze real-time data from the sensors and provide predictive analytics for tissue repair. Other variations may involve the integration of the fixation member with blockchain technology to ensure secure and transparent data storage and sharing.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of orthopedic and sports medicine. The advanced tissue repair systems can be marketed to hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals, offering a competitive advantage in terms of efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B17/0401 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/0057 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/0469 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/0482 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/0487 |
| A | A61 | A61B17/06166 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00663 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/042 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0409 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0414 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0459 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/0464 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Orthopedic surgical techniques and medical device design, specifically tissue repair and soft tissue-to-bone fixation systems, involving biomechanical engineering, materials science, and minimally invasive surgical technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or orthopedic medical device designer with advanced degree, expertise in biomaterials, surgical instrumentation design, and knowledge of tissue repair mechanisms, familiar with advanced manufacturing techniques and emerging medical technologies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating sensor technologies, advanced materials, and micro-systems into existing tissue repair apparatus represents a predictable extension of known surgical innovation. The source patent's fundamental flexible fixation member provides a clear technological foundation for incorporating emerging medical technologies to enhance tissue repair functionality. These variations represent logical combinations of known techniques with established surgical repair approaches.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,176 |
|---|---|
| Title | Tissue repair |
| Assignee(s) | Smith & Nephew, Inc. |